Help save office space

I was talking with the principal (CEO) of a major Chicago architectural firm, OWP/P last month at an architectural/engineering leadership symposium in San Diego.

I asked him about the trend of downtown Chicago offices being converted into condominiums and apartments. 

He said the conversion is so strong that city officials are trying to figure out ways to keep office buildings in downtown Chicago!   The conversion trend is driven by two factors right now:  1) condominiums and apartments get more financial return than office rental; and 2) weak demand for office space. 

Comments

[William Draves]

I'm in Chicago today, and people are confirming the big move downtown. They say that condo's and apartments now being built outside of the main downtown, so the trend is continuing. One participant in my seminar here says she lives 1.5 miles away, walks to work, has a grocery store in her complex, and loves it.

[Laura Foster]

Over Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to read your book Nine Shift, and have subsequently passed it along to several of my colleagues. Bill, the book is so clear, and contains such marvelous insight into our past and future – the already “happening” future of our country – that I sincerely feel it would be a tremendous asset to any and all fortunate enough to share that exploration with you.

[Judy Hochman]

The newsletter about NineShift arrived as I was retiring from Continuing Ed after 27 years. The concept is fascinating and again I think you're right on target.