In today’s ever-evolving commercial real estate landscape, tenant improvements (TIs) play a critical role in helping businesses make the most of their spaces, whether they’re expanding into a new facility or reimagining an existing one.
At ARCO, our design-build approach to TIs ensures projects move forward with speed, certainty and purpose. By combining planning, design and construction as a single source provider, we help clients bring their vision to life while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
What Are Tenant Improvements?
Tenant improvements refer to customized modifications made to a space to meet a tenant’s operational, aesthetic or regulatory needs. While every TI project is unique, they often fall into a few key categories:
- Adaptive Reuse: Transforming existing structures into modern, functional environments.
- Office Upgrades: Enhancing productivity, culture and collaboration through thoughtful design.
- Facility Rebranding: Refreshing a space to match a company’s refined visual identity.
- Warehouse Retrofits: Optimizing layout and functionality in existing industrial facilities and accompanying offices.
Whether it’s a full renovation construction endeavor or a simple interior upgrade, industrial and commercial tenant improvements allow clients to tailor spaces to their needs without starting from scratch.
Strategic Advantages of TIs
Maximizing Investment in High-Vacancy Markets
In markets with high vacancy rates, TIs can help owners and developers remain competitive by modernizing existing buildings and offering flexible layouts to attract long-term tenants.
For example, ARCO’s current work on the Horizon at Skyway Commons was designed with long-term flexibility in mind, offering future tenants a functional space while focusing on The Valley’s current industrial needs. Once completed, the space will be positioned to maximize developer investments.
Operational Continuity for Clients Renovating Existing Space
When clients look to update their current facilities, keeping operations running smoothly is a top priority. ARCO works closely with stakeholders to minimize disruption and ensure a seamless transition, demonstrated by our work with Live Nation Entertainment and Parkside Bank in St. Louis.
ARCO partnered with Live Nation Entertainment to renovate St Louis’ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. Amidst the increasingly busy concert season, various portions of the facility were updated to reflect the venue’s brand identity and upgraded to improve concertgoers’ experience. Throughout the project, Live Nation was able to maintain preparations for the upcoming concert season.
In an urban office setting, our team coordinated closely with Parkside Bank to complete office space upgrades including high-end finishes, architectural lighting packages and new audio and visual components. With our team’s phased construction approach, Parkside Bank was able to remain fully operational from start to finish, with minimal disruption to fellow building tenants.
Speed to Market in Expanding Operations
Time is often a critical factor when clients need to scale. Compared to ground-up builds, TIs commonly offer a faster path to occupancy, allowing companies to expand quickly and cost-effectively.
As Crown Equipment prepared for its expansion to Oklahoma City, they opted to tailor an existing industrial space that would accommodate their technical operations, manufacturing and logistics, rather than completing a ground-up build. As a result, Crown Equipment began serving the greater Oklahoma City area within 4 months of project kickoff, compared to following an extended ground-up construction timeline.
Applying ARCO’s Design-Build Model to TIs
Our design-build delivery model facilitates a streamlined approach to TI work. From day one, we collaborate with clients to develop thoughtful and budget-conscious designs that meet tenant needs and maximize developer investments.
With a combination of national resources and local expertise, no project is too small or niche for our team. ARCO Project Managers are dedicated to understanding our clients’ businesses and delivering tailored solutions to meet their needs. From project launch to completion, our Project Managers serve as the client’s sole point of contact to ensure clear communication and accountability.
Why Partner with ARCO for Tenant Improvements?
With experience across a wide range of industries, ARCO brings the same high standards to every TI project as we do to our ground-up builds.
- Cross-Industry Expertise: We understand the unique demands of each space type and tailor our approach accordingly.
- Market Insight: We’re plugged into local markets and in tune with commercial real estate trends. Learn more about our Phoenix Team, Northwest Arkansas Team or see our other offices here.
- Long-Term Value: We’re focused on creating enduring value for our clients through precise planning, proactive problem-solving and exceptional execution.
Start Your Tenant Improvement Project with ARCO
Whether you’re investing in a flexible space for future tenants or renovating a space to meet your own evolving needs, ARCO is ready to help. Connect with our team today.
