New Fitness Center at Rockside Square

New Fitness Center at Rockside Square in Independence!

After having a plan in the works for some time, The King Group recently celebrated the Grand Opening of a new fitness center at Rockside Square! The fitness center, located on the lower level of Building 2, is fully equipped with new, state-of-the art equipment, lockers, and shower rooms. It is open to all tenants of both buildings, who have already began utilizing it.

I’m so excited that we have a fitness center in our building now. It’s way more convenient for me to get my workout in here rather than trying to make time to go the gym. I’m able to just come in a little bit early, or even stop down during my lunch break. Plus, the equipment is very nice! – Dan S. (Current Tenant)

We felt that a fitness center was the perfect addition to Rockside Square, which already has a great location among other amenities.

Check out some more pictures of the space below!

    

Welcome to Plaza 45, New Horizons!

The King Group Welcomes

NEW HORIZONS

to Plaza 45!

For 35 years, New Horizons has provided more than 30 million students with industry-leading
technical training that delivers the most relevant and intuitive computer courses and certifications.
New Horizons will now be providing services at Plaza 45 in Independence!

Like many businesses, New Horizons discovered that over the years, their space needs have changed.
As we worked through the process, it was apparent they needed about 4,000 SF. Our space design team
implemented a plan to build out the space and had New Horizons moved in to their new office before
their busy season started!

 

Check out some pictures of the build out:

And the finished space!

  

Welcome to Independence, Kalibrate!

The King Group Welcomes

KALIBRATE

To Rockside Square in Independence!

Julie White, our Vice President of Leasing, relocated this vibrant growing firm from downtown to Rockside Road.

“We designed the space to meet their immediate needs as well as plan for future growth. The King Group developed a plan, executed the build out and helped select the finishes to create a modern look. The build out was a complete transformation of the space including new offices, a kitchen, glass sidelights, new carpet and paint and fresh colors. The tenant is thrilled with their new space.”

Check out some photos of the new space:

 

11 Questions To Ask A Broker Before Leasing a Space

So you know it’s time for a new office space, but you don’t know where to start. You will have questions along the way, that’s why you need to bring someone along that has the answers. Using a commercial real estate broker will help you in your journey of finding the perfect spot.

Here are some of the most important questions you should ask your broker and talk out an answer:

1. Square Footage – How much is just right?

sq-footage

The first question you need to ask yourself, and your broker, is how much space is the right amount? To answer this question, you need to understand the needs of your business and what your growth might be in the next few years (depending on how long you are looking to sign a lease for). Share details about your business with your broker. They can help you determine what a amount of square footage will match your needs.

2. Does the parking situation work for your business?

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There are varying factors to consider when evaluating a parking situation. You will also need to answer these questions: What is the minimum amount of parking spots you need? Do you need VIP parking for c-suites and executives? Do you require covered parking?

3. What price point are you comfortable with?

Determine a budget and stick to it. You do not want to commit to a long or short term lease that you are not comfortable paying. Be honest with your broker so they can make sure they check off all of your boxes and come in at or under budget.

4. Does the layout work for your business as is?

Startup Stock Photos

A turnkey space is ideal. Does the layout of the office space make sense for your company right now. Cosmetic changes are easy to make, and often alright with the landlord. Structural changes can be done, but take more money and may not be approved by the landlord.

5. Does the space have the amenities you desire?

A kitchen, a gym, even an in-house cafeteria some amenities in office buildings. Let your broker know what is important to you and your company so they can deliver exactly what you’re looking for! Do your best not to compromise what you want in a space, you don’t want to look back and regret your move.

6. Is the lease term the correct length?

You and your broker should talk about what makes sense for a lease length. Your broker is there to read and understand the fine print of a lease. All of the stipulations should make sense for the leaser and the leasee.

7. Location – is the potential office space easy to get to?

Being centrally located is a huge plus. We’ve highlighted why Beachwood and Independence are great places to house your business. So many towns just outside of Downtown Cleveland offer great incentives for businesses opening doors there. Think about your employees and if you ever work offsite – what location makes the most sense?

8. Who manages the property?

At The King Group – we highly value our tenants. Servicing our properties is extremely important and always top of mind. If we can’t find one of our properties for you, we can help you find the perfect building for your business. As we approach the holiday season, The King Group visits all of our properties to decorate for the holidays.

9. How is the signage visibility?

You want to examine if your companies signage will be and what traffic is like at that location. Is it important for your company’s signage to be visible from the street? How much traffic (foot and/or automobile) passes by the building? Learn about the signage opportunities at the building you are looking at. Your broker can help work this into a deal if it is important to your company.

10. Does the space come with furniture?

Startup Stock Photos

Find out if furnishings are included in the lease. Depending on your business and its needs, it may make more sense for you to look for only spaces that come with furniture. This can include items such as: desks, chairs, sometimes even computers. This can add to your monthly rent, but sometimes pays off in the long run if you don’t want to invest in purchasing furniture.

11. Who are the neighboring businesses?

Think about what types of businesses you want to be surrounded by. Do you need to be close to restaurants for you and your employees? Are you close to your competition? And, is that a good or bad thing? You and your broker can do your research in the building and surrounding buildings and scope out what’s around your potential new office.

 

At the end of the day, your broker can, and will, guide you through this process. At The King Group, we know what questions you have, and what questions to ask, to get you into the best office space for your business.

fullsizerenderLooking for a commercial real estate broker? Contact our VP of Leasing and Tenant Relations, Julie White, at 216-245-0689.

 

4 Benefits of Doing Business in Beachwood

We talked about why we love Independence, and now it’s time to talk about the benefits of business in Beachwood.

“Beachwood is home to nearly 3,000 companies and more than 25,000 employees. The community’s diverse business core includes Fortune 500 companies, international companies and entrepreneurs.” –Beachwoodohio.com

The King Group knows how great Beachwood is from experience – as our office is here. From it’s close proximity to major highways, to its’ extensive support systems for small businesses, Beachwood strives to support it’s local economy and values the businesses housed there.

1. Location, Location, Location

Beachwood’s Eastside location has a close proximity to major highways.

Beachwood has unbeatable highway access. From the Ohio Turnpike to Richmond Road (SR 175) Beachwood also encompasses: Chagrin Boulevard (SR 422), Interstate Routes 90, 480, and 271.

If you’re not driving around this eastern suburb, Beachwood provides access to the Blue and Green (railed) Line of the RTA System that runs from the suburbs into downtown. Also, there are the RTA bus systems that covers locations such as the airport, University Circle, the public libraries, and more!

2. Business Assistance Programs

  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

According to The City of Beachwood Ohio there are many incentives to house your business in Beachwood. From a Job Creation Incentive Grant Program to Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, there are strong arguments to open doors in Beachwood.

“The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program is free of charge, 11-week business management program designed to help small business owners develop practical skills needed for growth.”

This program has some parameters: you must have been open for 2+ years, minimum of 4 employees, etc. To find out more visit www.tri-c.edu/10ksb

  • Job Incentive Grant Program

The Job Incentive Grant Program provides incentives to businesses opening or expanding to The City of Beachwood.

“The Job Creation Program provides a grant to companies that is based upon a percentage of the annual payroll withholding taxes generated by the full time jobs that are new to the City of Beachwood.”

The grant application is simple and easy to fill out. There’s no reason not to apply for this grant! Unless you don’t operate out of Beachwood, but we can fix that. Check out the grant here.

  • Assistance for Small Businesses, too!

Beachwood’s Small Business Assistance Program are tailored to our small business friends. One resource The City of Beachwood has pointed out is GrowNOW. GrowNOW enables small business owners up to a 3% interest rate reduction on new or existing small business loans. Learn more about resources for small businesses here.

3. Beachwood Keeps Busy

From The City of Beachwood we know that:

  • Beachwood is home to more than 2,500 companies with a collaborative 25,000+ employees.
  • Since 2009, Beachwood businesses have invested more than $700 million in improvements and new construction.
  • Every day, Beachwood attracts an estimated 100,000 people to work, shop and visit.
  • Beachwood was named the 4th Best Place to Start a Business in Ohio, according to NerdWallet.

Beachwood fosters a business conducive environment.

4. Fabulous Food and Shopping

Your clients and employees will love the amenities available to people who do business in Beachwood. The award-winning Giovanni’s Ristorante is located in one of The King Group’s properties – Chagrin Richmond Plaza. Other great restaurants include Shuhei, Hyde Park and Corky and Lenny’s. Beachwood Place Mall, the only Northeast Ohio shopping center with luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, is located in town. Other shopping centers like Eton and the Moreland Hills Towne Center are located just miles aways in Woodmere and Moreland Hills.

 

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Giovanni’s

Whether you’re entertaining clients or need a break from the daily grind, Beachwood has everything a business owner would need. From entertainment to incentives, consider Beachwood for business.

The King Group’s Available Properties in Beachwood

25550 Chagrin Boulevard Beachwood, OH 44122

Chagrin Richmond Plaza
25550 Chagrin Boulevard, Beachwood, OH 44122

Parkway Medical Center 3609 – 3619 Park East Drive, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Parkway Medical Center
3609 – 3619 Park East Drive, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Pages from SIGNATURE SQUARE III

Signature Square III
Chagrin Blvd. and Richmond Rd

fullsizerenderContact our VP of Leasing and Tenant Relations, Julie White, for more information on any of these properties.

216-245-0689
jwhite@thekinggroup.com

10 Myths About Working From Home

In today’s digital age more people are working remotely. There are a lot of misconceptions about what this can do for your business, most of which are seemingly positive. Although working from home may seem nice, and beneficial for your company, it can actually harm your company’s productivity and output.  

Here are some common working-from-home myths debunked:

1. Working in a more comfortable environment will increase productivity.

Haven’t you ever heard “dress for the job you want”? People often believe that if they can work at home on the couch in their pajamas that they will be happier and get more work done. This is not the case. Yes, a change of scenery can aid creativity – but slouching on your couch will not benefit your health or work output.

person-woman-hotel-laptop

2. Meetings are just as productive over the phone/video chat.

Meetings should only happen remotely if it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, meetings in person are more productive.

According to a study conducted by Forbes, The Case for Face-to-Face, “Throughout, executives preferred face-to-face meetings when the decision-making process was fluid, requiring the kind of give-and-take typical of complex decisions and sales. For example, respondents said face-to-face meetings are best for persuasion (91%), leadership (87%), engagement (86%), accountability (79%), and decision-making (82%).”

Body language, presentation, and relationship building are just some things that can never be replaced by phone or video meetings.

3. I can make my own schedule.

Business drives on deadlines. Although your schedule from home may be more flexible – you still must ensure that you meet deadlines assigned to you. You may find yourself cramming in a project into the wee hours of the night, but remember, it probably won’t be your best work. In-office deadlines are structured so you can finish the work in the time constraints of your job.

4. Anyone can work remotely.

There are some self-starters out there that can work from home. But, it is definitely not for everyone. Often it takes a trial and error situation to realize that someone can or cannot work from home. Managers need to be aware that not all of their employees will be the right fit for working remotely. The few people that should work remotely have proven themselves through their work.

5. Working from home could eliminate the need for childcare.

Have you ever brought your child to the office (not counting bring your kid to work day, of course)?  You probably couldn’t imagine your child running around your office. So why would you want that distraction working at home. It could seem like a best-of-both-worlds circumstance – combining being a working parent and stay-at-home with your kids.

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6. Working from home cuts costs.

Although you may have less overhead, you will sacrifice productivity and employee output (see myth #1). Working from home could lead to a much larger sacrifice than just saving some money.

7. It’s better for your work-life balance.

When you work a more traditional 9-5 (nowadays it’s more like 8-6) work day, when you leave at the end of the day work stays at the office. This is not the case when your home life and your work life are one in the same. Work-life balance is so important to the success

8. You will get all your home projects done.

Please always remember who is paying you and what they are paying you to do. If you work remotely, and making the same amount of money as you would in-office, you should produce the same amount of results as in-office. You may think your house will be cleaner and more organized, but that is just another distraction from your work.

9. You’ll save money on food and lunch.

After some time, you will feel cooped up in your own home. You will actually end up going out more than you normally would, just to get out of your house.

10. You can keep up with team communication.

When you aren’t in the office, you may miss some important memos or information pertinent to your job. You may miss more than just water-cooler talk and your job may suffer. Keeping up with important, and relevant, information will end up taking extra effort than if you were in the office.

Working from home may seem like a nice alternative to going into the office. But when you keep in mind all of the truths behind these common myths, you should think twice before moving your office home.

10 Strategic Benefits of a Modern Workplace

New Property = Fresh Start

Pages from SIGNATURE SQUARE III

1. Architecturally advanced, professional-class, corporate office building.

With a new building, your company will have the most architecturally advanced, professional-class, corporate office building. Signature Square III will feature: a glass and stone facade, beautifully landscaped outdoor work areas with wireless connectivity, premium finishes throughout, and a two-story atrium.

2. State-of-the-art elevators, mechanics, and energy management systems.

Amenities like these can save you money.

 

Physical Environment

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3. Expansive window line maximizing natural light throughout the interior.

Natural lighting is not valued enough in office space. It is crucial to recognize the importance of providing employees with natural lighting to improve not just work productivity, but overall quality of life.

According to an article from Northwestern, Natural Light in the Office Boosts Health, “Workers without windows reported poorer scores than their counterparts on quality of life measures related to physical problems and vitality, as well as poorer outcomes on measures of overall sleep quality and sleep disturbances.” 

4. Energy efficient lighting and controls.

Green is trending and important to so many companies.

For the People

5. Sensory change and variability positively impact well-being.

There is something to be said for a change of scenery. A change of scenery can re-vamp your office morale. This in-turn positively impacts your client relationships. They will be more excited to come into your office and visit your re-energized workforce.

6. Competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining employees.

With a modern workplace, you will be able to better attract talent to your company. When looking for jobs, the work environment and culture is crucial, especially with the millennial generation. This also appeals to your current employees; potentially boosting staff pride related to the newly appointed office space.

7. Increase productivity, innovation, and staff focus.

An out-dated office space, that you’ve been in for years, can become stale to your employees. Something like a collaborative environment can foster creative thinking, vitality, and ambition.

Why Signature Square III?

8. Customization ability before construction.

With a building like Signature Square III, you are able to customize your ideal layout for your space. We will take into account your current and future needs when working with you to design the ultimate space. We understand that different industries have unique needs.

9. Branding inclusion in all property advertising.

Signature Square III will offer its key tenants unrivaled sign opportunities with exposure to, on average, 40,000+ cars – according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Your company will receive recognition on property advertising, ranging from print materials to press releases.

Why Now?

10. Early signer advantages.

  • Advantage of discounted pre-leasing rates
  • Few remaining commercially zoned sites for development
  • Market data indicates a shortage of space over the next 36 months
  • Rental rates are trending up and have been over the past 24 months140988-00_Chagrin-Richmond Development_Leasing Sign_R0