Challenge & Solution
The primary challenges were the industrial zoning, which prohibited many companies who were initially interested in the project, and high lease rates which were not affordable by typical industrial tenants.
The solution was to target tech companies whose primary assets are their employees and to position District 2 as a tech campus in a collegial setting. The project was designed with exposed truss ceilings, garage doors, open space and lots of natural light. This environment provides employees with modern workspaces allowing them to interact and learn from each other as well as easy access to recreation opportunities.
Prior to completion of construction, District 2 was 100% leased to a who’s who of Bend tech companies. It led into District 2 West, with 60,000 sq. ft., which was over 90% preleased primarily to tech companies. Compass Commercial was also awarded the listing for District 2 East, the 52,000 sq. ft. third phase of the District 2 developments.
