As the dust continues to settle from the rapid shifts of recent years, one thing remains clear: tenant expectations are still evolving, and office and retail property owners must keep pace with these changes. The rise of hybrid work, flexible formats, and experience-driven design has altered the landscape, but the future remains uncertain. Landlords face a dynamic environment where the developments of the upcoming year—and even the next two to three years—are difficult to predict. However, for those willing to adapt, this time offers a unique opportunity to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, sought-after assets.
Here’s how to reposition your property for today’s tenant landscape.
1. Reimagine Layouts to Meet Hybrid Realities
Traditional office floor plans, which centered on cubicles and static desks, no longer serve the modern workforce. Hybrid tenants are seeking:
- Flexible zones: Spaces that shift between heads-down work, collaboration, and virtual meetings.
- Spec suites: Move-in-ready office units are gaining traction among companies seeking fast and flexible leasing options that avoid build-out delays.
- Shared amenity spaces, including lounge areas, huddle rooms, podcast studios, and wellness rooms, elevate the appeal of buildings, particularly in multi-tenant settings.
Retail layouts are also evolving, with a growing emphasis on modular spaces that accommodate pop-ups, events, and showrooming alongside traditional storefronts.
2. Target Use-Specific Niches
Some of today’s most reliable tenants aren’t the ones who once filled Class A towers or big-box centers. Instead, smart owners are leasing to:
- Medical and wellness users, such as clinics, therapy offices, and boutique health practices, often prefer converted office or retail spaces in accessible, well-located areas.
- Coworking and executive suites: Mid-sized cities like Lansing and East Lansing are seeing demand for local operators offering boutique shared workspaces.
- Experiential retail: Art studios, fitness boutiques, pet services, and hybrid e-commerce brands use space not just for sales, but for building community.
3. Invest in Meaningful Improvements—Not Just Aesthetics
While modern finishes matter, tenants are increasingly drawn to functionality and tech-forward infrastructure:
- Upgrade your HVAC systems for improved indoor air quality and enhanced comfort.
- Implement smart access control systems, security measures, and tenant portals to enhance security and streamline operations.
- Ensure strong fiber connectivity and multiple ISP options.
- Consider EV charging, bike storage, and sustainability certifications to future-proof your asset.
These upgrades not only enhance marketability but also often support rent premiums and improve tenant retention.
4. Market the Experience, Not Just the Specs
In today’s leasing environment, storytelling is everything. Highlight how your property supports the day-to-day lives of tenants and their customers:
- Proximity to amenities or transit?
- Flexible hours and after-hours access?
- Community feel or networking opportunities?
Use high-quality visuals, tenant testimonials, and virtual walkthroughs to paint a vivid picture. Partnering with a brokerage team that understands the local tenant mindset, such as NAI Mid-Michigan, ensures your marketing hits the mark.
The Bottom Line
Opportunity awaits—your space is a blank canvas for creativity and innovation! With thoughtful reconfiguration, strategic repositioning, and responsive marketing, you can transform unused space into vibrant, income-generating real estate aligned with modern demand.Need help revitalizing your property? NAI Mid-Michigan specializes in guiding owners through repositioning strategies that drive long-term value.
