This post was updated on October 15, 2021.
At some point in our lives, we’ve all yearned to work from a decadent, modern office space, just like the ones we’ve seen on television or in movies.
That office with the gleaming glass façade, that office with vibrant plant life teeming from rafter to rafter, or that office that sits in the clouds and looks out over a bustling city – we’ve dreamt of it or seen it all.
But little did you know, these office spaces do exist, it’s realistic to be able to work from them, and through the years, they’ve garnered a simple yet pertinent distinction: a Class A office building. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working from a Class A building.
What is a Class A building?
While office buildings are generally classified into three categories – Class A, Class B, and Class C – Class A buildings are the newest and highest quality buildings in their respective markets.
These buildings don’t just look the best, they feature the most robust construction standards, high-quality infrastructure, professional building management, and are well located for optimal tenant access.
It’s important to note that Class A buildings must be viewed in the context of their sub-market – I.E., a Class A building in one market may not be a Class A building in another.
Why work from an office space in a Class A building?
As the age-old phrase goes, “looks can be deceiving,” Class A buildings are on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to this paradox.
Class A buildings are purposely – and quite strategically – built and designed to evoke a sense of productivity, class, and elegance amongst tenants and even staff.
While many building designers try to hook prospective tenants with flashy, sleek design and architecture but are lacking in infrastructure, Class A buildings truly deliver a complete on-property experience.
The amenities that come with working from a Class A office building are plentiful. From the second you approach, enter, and leave, you can precisely tell others, “my office space is in one of the most distinguished and highly regarded office buildings in the nation.”
Keep in mind, your experience while working at a Class A office space evokes as much professionalism as the high-end building. Serviced offices and coworking spaces at commercial office buildings throughout many of the cities nationwide offer built-in administrative support and IT services, to ensure you are fully-productive as you use your private office or network in a coworking area.
What are the amenities for businesses that work out of a Class A office building?
Building classifications – whether it be a Class A, B, or C, or other classification – help identify and distinguish buildings when it comes to architectural achievement, sustainability, innovation, and more.
These classifications allow future tenants to differentiate buildings and justify market data when it comes to making an informed decision while looking for office space.
What benefits come with being named as a Class A building?
Class A buildings attract the highest quality tenants while simultaneously commanding the highest rent, highly beneficial to building owners, property manager, and investors.
Additionally, Class A buildings boast higher tenant retainment rates than its Class B and Class C counterparts, leading to long term profitability of the building.
It goes without being said that receiving a Class A distinction garners respect, admiration, and tenants looking to align themselves with those who are seen as ‘the cream of the crop.’ What better way to wow clients than to show off with an in-person meeting or event?
Why are Class A office spaces a suitable place for businesses of all sizes to work?
Frequently home to conventional office space, massive corporate headquarters, or other coworking providers, Class A office buildings boast workspace solutions of all varieties, each ideal for a business or company of varied sizes.
Additionally, Class A buildings feature a plethora of amenities which supply a high degree of comfort and security for you, your team, and any visitors you may have. Among the most common Class A amenities are:
- Professionally designed meeting and conference spaces
- On-site building management and security
- 24-7 attended lobbies
- Ultramodern HVAC systems
- High-speed WiFi and back-up routers
- Covered parking
- Fitness center and café
Where are Class A office spaces located?
Class A buildings are most often located in major downtown areas of large cities where quality and prestige of location reigns supreme.
Carr Workplaces is proud to feature locations within Class A buildings, which are in some of the country’s largest markets such as:
- Chicago
- Washington, DC Metro Area (including Arlington, Alexandria, and in some of Maryland‘s most prestigious zip codes)
- Fort Lauderdale
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- San Francisco
What does the LEED certification and the WELL Health-Safety Rating mean?
Additionally, Class A buildings frequently boast building certifications that exemplify their efforts to be environmentally conscious, innovative, and highly efficient.
Two of the most desirable certifications are the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environment Design) certification and the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
The LEED certification is displayed as a plaque on a building that is a, “mark of quality and achievement in green building,” (This is LEED) and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
The LEED certification, “… means healthier, more productive places, reduced stress on the environment by encouraging energy and resource-efficient buildings, and savings from increased building value, higher lease rates, and decreased utility costs.” (This is LEED)
The WELL certification is a building standard that is currently being used by over 4,000 projects in over 60 countries – which encompasses over half a billion square feet of real estate around the world.
“The WELL Building Standard is a vehicle for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being.” (Meet WELL v2)
How do these building certifications and standards affect the return to work considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
These certifications and standards help to collectively create healthier workplaces, each with cleaner air, ample access to daylight, and free of harmful chemicals that can often be found in paints and the buildings finishing’s.
Both LEED and WELL certifications are informed by the expertise of practitioners, medical professionals, public health experts, and building scientists around the world, who are committed to safe office environments that prioritize the health and well-being of employees.
How do these certifications and standards tie into an office being high quality or Class A?
Buildings with these prestigious certifications are statistically proven to have a competitive edge when it comes to attracting more, higher-quality, higher-paying tenants.
“61% of corporate leaders believe that sustainability leads to market differentiation and improved financial performance. LEED-certified buildings command the highest rents, while lease-up rates typically range from average to 20% above average; vacancy rates for green buildings are an estimated 4% lower than non-green properties.” (Why LEED)
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B building?
While not quite the cream of the crop, Class B buildings are generally older than Class A buildings but still feature good quality architecture, infrastructure, management and tenants.
It’s become common for investors to target well-located Class B buildings with the intent of bringing or returning them to a Class A distinction through exterior renovations and common area improvements.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class C building?
The lowest classification of office buildings are Class C buildings – which are often much older buildings that are located in less desirable areas and in need of extensive renovations.
Class C buildings are often the least architecturally desirable, have the lowest rental rates, take the longest time to lease to tenants, and are frequently targeted as re-development projects.
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While how we work and where we work will continually change and evolve, it’s certain that Class A buildings will remain as the crown jewel of many prestigious cities and desirable locations around the world.
These buildings will always beckon to those looking for a gleaming new home of their business or company, where their clients are wowed by sight and experience, and where the phrase ‘environmentally friendly’ isn’t discredited.
It’s without a shadow of a doubt that these buildings are the now, the key to the future, and are where you should aim to be working from for years to come.
Consider one of the Carr Workplaces locations across the country for your Class A private office or coworking space.
Class A Office Space FAQs
1. What is the Meaning of a Class A Building?
Offices with Class A certification are the most esteemed office buildings in the country. These office spaces are located in prime areas and offer the most luxurious, high-quality infrastructure in their respective markets.
2. Can you work from a Class A Office Space?
Yes, Class A Buildings across the country offer things like coworking and private offices. You can work out of the notable AON Center in your Chicago private office or work collaboratively in Manhattan.
Not living in a major city but still want a high-end office space? Consider Class A office buildings in smaller cities like Fort Lauderdale, Northern Virginia, or Southern California.
3. Can you have an office address at a Class A Office Building?
No matter where you live, can you take advantage of having a prestigious virtual office address in Class A buildings all over the country.
If you don’t live near your city of choice but want to bring a sense of professionalism to your business with a NYC or Los Angeles business address, you can consider a high-end building to receive and process your mail.
4. Can You Host Business Events at a Class A Office Space?
Even if you’re not working from a prestigious Class A Building, why wouldn’t you want to host your private business events at one? Event spaces in cities like New York and Washington, DC offer breath-taking views and a professional environment for you and your business associates to enjoy.
