The rise of online ordering has reshaped retail. Businesses that didn’t adapt struggled, and those that evolved stayed ahead. The same principle applies to you as a CRE investor — you need to be aware of how these changes will impact your bottom line and make the moves to keep up.
And in a market where physical spaces must compete with the convenience of online shopping and physical offices need to justify their value against remote work, amenities are what separate commercial buildings that attract long-term tenants from those that struggle to fill vacancies.
Amenities Deliver Real Value to Tenants
The right amenities attract tenants and bring benefits to their employees and customers, ultimately supporting their operations and therefore your commercial building’s viability. Here’s what well-designed amenities can provide:
- Elevated Tenant Brand Image – High-end amenities give businesses a polished image. When your CRE property exudes quality, tenants benefit, and your asset becomes synonymous with professionalism and success.
- Better Productivity – Employees often hit creative blocks when stuck in the same setting. Having access to varied work environments and amenities helps them break their routines to re-energize their focus and creativity.
- Top Talent Retention – CRE amenities that support employee well-being and convenience make it easier for businesses to hire and keep skilled professionals.
- Collaboration and Networking – Shared spaces also bring tenants together and often create opportunities for unexpected connections. These interactions can lead to new ideas, partnerships, or expanded networks.
Amenities shouldn’t just look impressive — they should actually work for your tenants. To make your property stand out, focus on the tangible benefits these features offer and not just the surface appeal.
Also Read: Zoning Regulations in Commercial Real Estate Investment Success
The Modern Work Environment Demands More
The workplace has evolved beyond desks and cubicles. Businesses aren’t just looking for CRE space — they’re looking for spaces that align with their identity and culture. This is why many office, multifamily, and industrial properties are upgrading their amenities to create more engaging and functional environments.
The shift’s impact is measurable. According to NAIOP, a whopping 91% of property owners report that thoughtful amenities accelerate tenant attraction and improve retention. Creating environments that support tenant goals, lets you reduce turnover and minimize vacancies, as well as strengthen your property’s appeal.
Also Read: Pros and Cons of Investing in Multi-Tenant vs. Single-Tenant Properties
What Amenities Should You Offer?
Determining which amenities to include in your commercial property comes down to understanding your target tenants and their needs. A property in a walkable urban area may require a completely different set of offerings than one in a suburban setting.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common amenities in demand today, broken down into two types: traditional and modern.
Traditional Amenity Packages
Traditional amenities have stood the test of time for good reason — they provide reliable value to tenants and their employees. These offerings remain essential for many commercial properties:
- Covered Parking – This is a sought-after CRE feature especially in urban developments because it provides convenience for both tenants and visiting clients.
- Building Signage – Anchor tenants occupying large spaces put a high value on prominent signage or naming rights because it enhances their visibility and brand recognition.
- Lobby Reception – A front desk staffed with a receptionist adds professionalism and security to your CRE property. Visitors feel welcome and tenants benefit from an extra layer of support for their operations.
- Fitness Facilities – High-quality fitness centers give tenants the opportunity to fit exercise into their daily routines and enhance their work-life balance. Elevate your offering with locker rooms and showers.
- Childcare Services – On-site daycare reduces stress for working parents who no longer need to worry about juggling childcare arrangements. Employers also see increased productivity and fewer absences among parent employees.
- Bike Storage – Especially crucial in urban CRE settings, bike racks and secure storage options make commuting easier for tenants who prefer biking over driving. This relatively simple addition improves convenience and encourages eco-friendly transport.
Also Read: The Critical Role of Location in Commercial Real Estate Success
Modern Amenity Packages
Modern amenities focus on creating unique experiences that align with tenants’ company cultures and help them attract top talent:
- Pet-Friendly Facilities – Allowing tenants to bring pets to work and providing amenities for their care (such as dog parks and washing stations) can set your property apart.
- Rideshare Optimization – Allocate spaces near entrances for rideshare pickup and drop-off to simplify transit and reduce the strain on parking. This frees up space in your CRE property for other valuable uses, too.
- Yoga and Meditation Rooms – Work can be demanding and quiet spaces for yoga or relaxation give tenants a much-needed opportunity to recharge during their busy days.
- Indoor/Outdoor Games – Activities like bocce ball, volleyball, or ping pong bring a casual and engaging atmosphere to mixed-use developments. Such CRE amenities encourage collaboration and relaxation. Some buildings even have rock climbing walls.
- Common WiFi – Offer shared WiFi in common areas to reduce startup costs for tenants who don’t need dedicated lines and simplify connectivity for guests.
- Shared Conference Rooms – Not every tenant needs permanent meeting spaces. Provide them with reservable conference rooms to reduce their need for larger footprints.
Selecting the right mix of traditional and modern amenities can put your CRE property on the map and attract tenants looking for spaces that match their operational needs and company values.
Where Should you Locate the Amenities?
The lobby is a natural choice for many amenities — it’s accessible, visible, and always gets heavy foot traffic. But you can also think creatively about underutilized spaces such as rooftop decks that you can monetize, or open-air areas that can be used to host fitness classes and weekend markets.
Basements are often overlooked by CRE property owners, but they can actually be reimagined as fitness centers or shared storage areas. They can even become event spaces.
Hallways and corridors are also fairly easy to revitalize with simple but impactful additions, like a cozy nook with coffee and tea stations (or a beer tap featuring a local brewery if you cater to younger tenants and startups).
Engage Tenants with On-Site Programming
Designing a property with top-notch amenities is only the first step. To truly maximize tenant engagement, you have to “program” your facility — that is, organize events and activities that foster a sense of community among tenants and their employees.
As you know, businesses that feel connected to their work environment are more likely to renew leases instead of looking elsewhere. Here are a few programming ideas that can help you improve tenant satisfaction:
- Fitness Classes – Use existing spaces in your CRE (like a gym, rooftop deck, or courtyard) for group fitness sessions. If you cannot handle these classes in-house, you can always hire a third-party provider. It’s a great way to bring tenants together while making use of your amenities.
- Art Exhibits – Featuring local artwork lets you transform bland common areas into visually appealing spaces. Seasonal or rotating installations keep the environment fresh and offer tenants something new to enjoy.
- Happy Hour – Networking doesn’t have to feel formal. Why not let tenants and employees enjoy connecting over a drink in a relaxed setting? Try hosting happy hours with local breweries, vineyards, or distilleries. This also showcases the culture of your location.
- Food Trucks or Communal Meals – Everyone needs to eat, so why not turn it into a shared experience? Schedule food trucks or catered meals in common areas to create opportunities for tenants to socialize and build connections!
Programming makes your CRE building more than just a place to work. It’s an investment in tenant retention and engagement.
Balancing Cost and Value in Amenity Packages
Are over-the-top amenity packages worth the cost? The short answer is yes — but only if the costs align with the value they deliver. Strong amenity packages can attract tenants more quickly and keep them for longer leases, but there’s a balance to maintain.
As the CRE landlord, many of these amenities are covered by common area maintenance fees or tenant-specific charges. This means you can offer premium features without shouldering the entire financial burden. But you also have to keep pricing reasonable so tenants feel the added costs are justified.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Most amenities can be adapted or repurposed later if they don’t deliver the expected value. Thinking outside the box can help you carve out a competitive edge in your market.
Improve your CRE Property’s Amenities with Fast, Flexible Financing
Exceptional amenities attract tenants and drive retention, but like any CRE project, such plans require funding.
Private Capital Investors makes it easy to secure the capital you need to update your property with new amenities as they have expert private commercial real estate lenders.
We fund CRE projects ranging from $2 million to $50 million, with approvals in less than 48 hours. Let us know about your plans and we’ll deliver fast, reliable financing tailored to your goals.
Some of our commercial real estate loans offerings include hard money loans, bridge financing, and stated income loan options — all of which streamline the funding process so you can focus on building a property that tenants can’t resist.
You don’t have to wait weeks for traditional lenders. We can get your project moving in as little as two weeks.
