Executive Office Suites opens Phase II

CNY Business Journal (1996+), Sep 03, 1999

LIVERPOOL-HKS Realty of Liverpool, which opened the first executive office-suites facility in the Syracuse area two years ago, recently opened Phase II of its office suites in Executive Office Suites at 290, 290 Elwood Davis Rd., Liverpool.

While Kent Scruton, president of HKS, a 20-yearold commercial real-estateservices firm, says that the office-suites concept has been growing for several years in larger metropolitan areas, he decided to wait until the Central New York marketplace was ready for it.

Apparently his timing was good . It took only four months to have the 14 suites in Phase I completely leased. And then work began about two months ago to open 18 more suites in Phase II.

The suites offer tenants more than just the four walls and a door. Each of the 32 office suites comes fully furnished, including access to office equipment, conference rooms, and kitchen facilities. In addition, a full-time receptionist answers each phone line with the name of that tenant's business.

HKS worked closely with the Syracuse architectural fi rm Zausmer-Frisch, Scruton and Aggarwal Associates to come up with a that conveys the upscale, professional image, with a marble reception counter and marble floors and columns.

Ranging in price from $400 to $1,000 a month, the offices vary in size from 120 sq. ft. to 240 sq. ft. Short-term leases of six months are available. Also included in the price of rent is image. "When you walk into an office that is beautifully furnished and has all the amenities you'd expect in a successful business, that certainly enhances the professional image the business person is promoting," says Rosemary Purcell, HKS's sales and leasing consultant.

And, since each suite comes fully furnished, Scruton adds, "We can have you fully set up in business in a matter of hours. The only thing you need to do is hook up your phone line, and we can help you with that. We even furnish the phones.

The executive-suite concept attracts entrepreneurs starting businesses, seasoned consultants, and sales and marketing professionals. "This can give someone a presence, and a very prestigious business identity almost instantly," says Purcell.

Rich Burgos, national sales manager for CHEP Americas, was one of the first people to rent office space in the newly opened Executive Office Suites two years ago. Even though working at home was something his company would have supported, Burgos chose this arrangement because it suited his needs perfectly. "With three small children, working from my home wasn't really an option. I view this as a win-win. I avoid labor costs and gain a very professional work environment. At the end of the day, I leave work here. I don't take it home with me," Burgos states.

A tenant since February, Maggie Cook, regional sales representative for United Provider Services, also opted out of working at home. "I feel I am more focused and productive when I have a formal office arrangement. I liked that I could move right in without having to buy furniture and equipment. Being so close to the highway is another nice feature for me because I travel quite a bit," says Cook.

As a consulting geologist for JTM Associates, Jim Mickam needed a place where he could meet with clients and project a professional image. "With teenagers at home, it is more comfortable to meet with clients at the office. Also, I have access to a copier and postage meter. That would have meant a trip out if I were working from home; this is more efficient," says Mickam.

HKS plans to add to the time savers currently available. "Soon we will provide videoconferencing and concierge-type options, which would include hotel reservations and travel arrangements," says Purcell.