Don’t Ditch the Lease (Part 1)

Productivity

The pandemic stay-at-home orders that emptied office buildings have many employers questioning their future square-footage needs. As businesses struggle through 2020, the lost benefits of having employees gathered in a single environment are becoming clearer, especially in terms of productivity.

Employee homes and apartments were never designed as work spaces. All of life’s distractions are within a 20-step distance in the typical residence. That COVID-19 weight gain? It happened while employees were working from home and making frequent trips to the kitchen. While offices may also have their distractions, removing employees from the focus-draining conditions in their homes allows them to fall into “the zone,” where they do their best work.

All business leaders should carefully consider how to enhance their productivity zones as workers return to the office because—for many employees—the zone is not at their kitchen table.

Collaboration

The pandemic has thrust business owners into survival mode, forcing them to slash budgets and allow staff to work from home. Months into this crisis, the cost of having a dispersed workforce includes a diminished ability to collaborate.

Most businesses can’t succeed unless their employees work together effectively. Collaboration is built through workplace relationships, which tend to breakdown when workers are remote. The simple act of two or three employees sitting down for coffee or lunch strengthens workplace bonds and enhances collaboration.

For more than a century, companies relied on face-to-face collaboration to achieve business strategies. As questions arise about the future of the office, executives must look beyond real estate costs and carefully consider how their organizations’ ability to collaborate will be affected by remote working.

Creativity

Working from home is not a replacement for the office. In fact, it’s becoming clear that businesses across many sectors need congregated employees to remain creative.

Great ideas might emerge during online meetings, but those flashes of inspiration might occur more often when a couple of employees bump into each other by the office coffee machine. Anyone who has ever sat in a room full of excited employees knows that the best brainstorming happens when people are together in a room, riffing on each other’s contributions.

Creativity is essential to innovation and new ways of doing businesses. Often, it is casual conversation amid cubicles or in the break room that lead to revolutionary ideas. A business owner must consider the risk to their company’s wellspring of creativity when weighing the value of office space.

2021-09-08T12:20:43-04:00January 4, 2021|
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Don’t Ditch the Lease (Part 2)

Training

Companies have successfully used webinars and other virtual platforms to train or educate employees. When the pandemic and stay-at-home orders forced everyone into remote mode, virtual training wasn’t a big leap for many.

However, just as the shortcomings of remote learning have become obvious to parents with young kids, employers recognized years ago that the best training is in person. Training in a conference room requires a higher level of engagement from employees than a remote webinar, where an employee can easily ignore the training while directing their attention to an off-screen device or some distraction in the home.

Training in an office is more valuable because, as with classrooms for children, the attendees have entered a learning environment and they must shift into a learning state of mind. The home is an environment for family, relaxation and play, which is why so many children have struggled with remote learning. Similarly, adults need a learning space at work, not in the home.

Momentum

In order for a successful business to keep growing, there has to be a culture of institutional energy that motivates employees and propels the company’s momentum.

Maintaining an exciting purpose for what employees do is essential to momentum. Promoting a unity of purpose happened in offices through employee huddles, rallies and training sessions. The pandemic and remote working have upended the traditional forms of momentum building, but as stay-at-home orders ease many business leaders are looking at how their offices can once again become forums for staff motivation.

Remember that energy is contagious. Many employees will be happy to return to the office because the return marks the end of their social isolation. It’s a good time for businesses to plan how they will harness their employees’ pent-up energy to revive or accelerate momentum.

Culture

Office culture is an essential ingredient for a company’s success because offices are where diverse points of view are shared, impromptu meetings occur and relationship building happens.

The pandemic and remote working pose an existential threat to office culture because virtual platforms don’t foster vibrant cultural environments. Remote employees are not interacting to the degree that they were in the office, and that separation has a cost.

Without the office culture, there are no shared company values and there is no unity of purpose. Business leaders should consider how they will preserve office culture as they plan their future real estate needs.

2021-09-08T12:21:42-04:00January 3, 2021|
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Don’t Ditch the Lease (Part 3)

Productivity

The pandemic stay-at-home orders that emptied office buildings have many employers questioning their future square-footage needs. As businesses struggle through 2020, the lost benefits of having employees gathered in a single environment are becoming clearer, especially in terms of productivity.

Employee homes and apartments were never designed as work spaces. All of life’s distractions are within a 20-step distance in the typical residence. That COVID-19 weight gain? It happened while employees were working from home and making frequent trips to the kitchen. While offices may also have their distractions, removing employees from the focus-draining conditions in their homes allows them to fall into “the zone,” where they do their best work.

All business leaders should carefully consider how to enhance their productivity zones as workers return to the office because—for many employees—the zone is not at their kitchen table.

Collaboration

The pandemic has thrust business owners into survival mode, forcing them to slash budgets and allow staff to work from home. Months into this crisis, the cost of having a dispersed workforce includes a diminished ability to collaborate.

Most businesses can’t succeed unless their employees work together effectively. Collaboration is built through workplace relationships, which tend to breakdown when workers are remote. The simple act of two or three employees sitting down for coffee or lunch strengthens workplace bonds and enhances collaboration.

For more than a century, companies relied on face-to-face collaboration to achieve business strategies. As questions arise about the future of the office, executives must look beyond real estate costs and carefully consider how their organizations’ ability to collaborate will be affected by remote working.

Creativity

Working from home is not a replacement for the office. In fact, it’s becoming clear that businesses across many sectors need congregated employees to remain creative.

Great ideas might emerge during online meetings, but those flashes of inspiration might occur more often when a couple of employees bump into each other by the office coffee machine. Anyone who has ever sat in a room full of excited employees knows that the best brainstorming happens when people are together in a room, riffing on each other’s contributions.

Creativity is essential to innovation and new ways of doing businesses. Often, it is casual conversation amid cubicles or in the break room that lead to revolutionary ideas. A business owner must consider the risk to their company’s wellspring of creativity when weighing the value of office space.

2021-09-08T12:22:36-04:00January 2, 2021|
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Hutchinson Metro Center

Hutchinson Metro Center Logo

Hutchinson Metro Center

1250 Waters Place, Bronx, NY

The Hutchinson Metro Center (HMC) is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the region with a stunning success story as a thriving medical/office community. The 42-acre campus includes more than 1.4 million square feet of Class A office and medical space, as well as retail space, dining, complimentary parking and a 125-room Marriott Residence Inn–the first business- and tourist-class hotel in the Bronx. Another first for the region is Montefiore Medical Center’s ambulatory care center, a “bedless hospital” representing an evolution of healthcare delivery that allows Montefiore to provide treatment and surgery without hospitalization. HMC is home to over 80 leading businesses, healthcare and educational institutions, and federal, state and city agencies, employing over 8,000 people. The beautifully landscaped suburban-style campus is conveniently located directly off the Hutchinson River Parkway in the Pelham Bay/Morris Park section of the Bronx. Plans call for connecting the campus directly to the new Morris Park Metro-North station.

  • Hutchinson Metro Center Slide 1
  • HMC - Interior Atrium
  • Metro Center Atrium Slide 1
  • Metro Center Atrium Slide 2
  • Metro Center Atrium Slide 4
  • Metro Center Atrium Slide 3
  • Metro Center Atrium Slide 5

Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium

1776 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY

Located within the 42 acre Hutchinson Metro Center complex in the Bronx, the 360,000 square-foot complex features three floors of state-of-the-art Class A medical and office space as well as retail and restaurants. Medical practices have access to a large and growing patient base with four major hospitals less than one mile away. Tenants include Fresenius, Hanger Clinic, Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, and Montefiore. There is also an LA Fitness, Dunkin’, Chipotle, A-Z Nutrition & Smoothies and a 125-room Residence Inn by Marriott. The architecturally distinctive building features a soaring glass atrium and lobby and is set in a landscaped suburban-style campus setting. Abundant parking for more than 1,100 vehicles is provided on-site.

Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center

1250 Waters Place, Bronx, NY

The concept of ambulatory care is taken to new heights with this 280,000 square-foot “bedless hospital” custom designed for Montefiore Medical Center. Located at the Hutchinson Metro Center campus, the 11 story tower includes 12 operating rooms and four procedure rooms, an advanced imaging center, onsite laboratory services and pharmacy, as well as new primary and specialty care practices. From the moment you enter the elegantly designed lobby, you sense a healing environment that provides patients with a positive experience while offering an array of medical services in a central location including primary and specialty care visits, diagnostic imaging and surgery. The interdisciplinary approach to care allows for stronger, easier collaborations and referrals.

  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 1
  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 2
  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 3
  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 4
  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 5
  • Montefiore Ambulatory Care Center Slide 6
FOR LEASING INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Josh Gopan
Vice President of Leasing

Jeremy Schwartz
Director of Leasing

2024-01-18T09:10:53-05:00January 1, 2021|
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Business Council of Westchester Presents Hall of Fame Awards

The Business Council of Westchester, the premier business organization dedicated to economic development and advocacy in Westchester County, presented its prestigious Business Hall of Fame Awards Tuesday night during a virtual ceremony, recognizing Westchester’s top business leaders. Six top companies were honored as part of the 2020 Business Hall of Fame Awards.

“The quality of this year’s inductees is truly outstanding. They represent the very best of Westchester businesses and represent a wide range of industry sectors,’’ said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “They include a leader in the conversion of renewable waste fuels into clean energy; the nation’s largest family owned and operated healthcare laundry company; a leading provider of energy products and services for consumers and businesses; a major American source for eyewear, sunglasses and optical accessories; two highly successful women in the commercial real estate field and the largest private not‑for‑profit arts council in New York State. Congratulations to this year’s honorees and welcome to the BCW Hall of Fame.

The 2020 honorees join a roster of more than 95 businesses who have been inducted in the BCW Hall of Fame. The awards recognize visionaries who have grown their businesses through innovation and inspired leadership and whose commitment to excellence has added to the economic vitality of Westchester’s economy.

The Winners in their respective categories:

Chairman’s Recognition Reward

ArtsWestchester

For over 50 years ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest private not‑­for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision and support to ensure the availability, accessibility and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester works in the spirit of an entrepreneur to provide arts programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester. It helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; supports public art; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the neo‑classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi‑use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. During CEO Janet Langsam’s time at the helm of ArtsWestchester, the organization has grown from a $1 million to a $4.5 million agency.

Women in Business Success

Patricia Simone and Joanna Simone, Simone Development Companies

Patricia Simone and Joanna Simone are principals of Simone Development Companies—a full­ service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of office, retail, industrial and healthcare properties in the Tristate Area. Patricia is Principal and President of Simone Management Group, the management and operations arm of Simone Development Companies. With over 10 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Patricia has gained in-depth experience in leasing various commercial property types, property management operations, site selection/acquisitions, ground‑up development and re-development projects. Joanna currently serves as a Principal and Vice President of Leasing and Property Management Operations for Simone Development Companies. Joanna has specialized in lease negotiations, property management operations, and value‑added asset repositioning. Joanna, who executes over 100 lease transactions per year, was named one of CoStar’s Power Brokers of the Year and a Rising Star in Real Estate by Crain’s New York Business.

Corporate Citizenship

Wheelabrator Technologies

Wheelabrator is an industry leader in the safe and environmentally sound conversion of residential and business waste and other renewable waste fuels into clean energy. Since 1984, it has been converting post‑recycled waste to clean, renewable energy for the Hudson Valley. Its goal is to reduce waste and reliance on fossil fuels while creating renewable energy to power homes, schools and town centers. For over 35 years, the company has been creating jobs and supporting businesses throughout the region. Since it began operations it has provided the benefits of stable, long-term, well-paying jobs, economic stimulus in the form of capital investments and the purchase of local goods and services. Wheelabrator supports and invests in civic and charitable organizations, schools and environmental causes throughout New York.

Entrepreneurial Success

Unitex

Robison is the leading provider of energy products and services in the Westchester area. Headquartered in Port Chester, it supplies natural gas and electricity; delivers home heating oil and clean‑burning biofuel; services and installs heating and air conditioning systems; provides plumbing services 24/7, and delivers indoor air quality solutions. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, Robison has demonstrated a long-term commitment to serving the changing needs of its customers. The company has remained a family owned enterprise through several generations. Saul Singer’s father founded the company in coal delivery. It transitioned to oil service and delivery and Saul Singer took command followed by his sons David and Dan. In 1984, important changes were set in motion when the Singer family acquired Robison.

Family Owned Business Success

Robison Oil

Robison is the leading provider of energy products and services in the Westchester area. Headquartered in Port Chester, it supplies natural gas and electricity; delivers home heating oil and clean‑burning biofuel; services and installs heating and air conditioning systems; provides plumbing services 24/7, and delivers indoor air quality solutions. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, Robison has demonstrated a long-term commitment to serving the changing needs of its customers. The company has remained a family owned enterprise through several generations. Saul Singer’s father founded the company in coal delivery. It transitioned to oil service and delivery and Saul Singer took command followed by his sons David and Dan. In 1984, important changes were set in motion when the Singer family acquired Robison.

Small Business Success

Zyloware Eyewear

Zyloware Eyewear was founded in 1923 by Joseph Shyer as an eyeglass frame manufacturing facility in Long Island City. Proud to have styled generations of families, Zyloware is dedicated to providing classic, fashionable and quality eyewear to men and women around the world. Operated by the third generation of Shyer’s and currently in their 97th year of business, Zyloware continues its heritage of fine craftsmanship and impeccable style along with dedication to the community. After several expansions and its evolution into the global supplier it is today, Zyloware moved to its new corporate headquarters to Port Chester in 2010, increasing its square footage by 50%. Zyloware believes everyone should have access to quality eyewear and is proud to partner with several optical charities to help bring vision care to those in need. Eyewear brands include Leon Max, Maxstudio.com, Via Spiga, Randy Jackson, Sophia Loren, Daisy Fuentes, Project Runway, Stetson, Shaquille O’Neal and more!

2021-09-08T16:23:34-04:00July 15, 2020|
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Fresh & Co. Celebrates Grand Opening of New Location at Simone Development’s Boyce Thompson Center

Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies, joined with Yonkers City officials and executives from Fresh & Co. to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Fresh & Co. location at the Boyce Thompson Center in Yonkers, NY.

“The grand opening of Fresh & Co. further enhances the excellent roster of top-quality tenants we offer at the Boyce Thompson Center. We’re particularly pleased that Fresh & Co. chose the Boyce Thompson Center for its first location in Westchester and the first outside of New York City,” said Mr. Simone, the owner and developer of the Boyce Thompson Center.

Fresh & Co., a healthy food chain offering chef-inspired organic seasonal food, is occupying 2,160 square feet in the innovative 85,000-square-foot mixed-use center in Northwest Yonkers. This is the company’s first location outside of New York City where it has 18 locations.

The Boyce Thompson Center features a wide array of healthcare tenants including St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Westmed Medical Group, ColumbiaDoctors, Riverside Dental Health, Westchester Gastroenterology, Juvanni Med Spa, ENT & Allergy Associates, Metro Vein Centers and Motion PT Group.

2021-09-08T16:31:44-04:00November 1, 2019|
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