Single-story suburban office buildings without amenities are seeing increased demand, according to a May 19 statement from NAI Hiffman and industry professionals. This trend is emerging as companies seek affordable and accessible spaces for employees who do not require high-end features.
The shift matters because it reflects changing workplace preferences after the pandemic, with some businesses prioritizing convenience over amenities commonly found in Class A properties. Jason Wurtz, executive vice president at NAI Hiffman, said, “It’s been a bit of a secret. It’s a difference in the mentality. I don’t think they’re infringing on each other at all.” He described the phenomenon as “no amenities are the new amenities.”
Recent data shows that single-story buildings have outperformed the broader market, which ended March with a nearly historically high vacancy rate of 27%. In the first quarter of this year alone, there were 57 new deals totaling more than 109,000 square feet for these types of properties. Over the previous year, occupancy rates rose significantly at locations such as Spring Lake Executive Campus in Itasca and Northwest Corporate Centre in Hoffman Estates.
Phil Lattanzio, president and COO of NACM-Connect, explained his organization’s decision to relocate to Northwest Corporate Centre: “It was the proximity of where they parked their cars and not sharing space,” he said. “That was really important. Everyone got an office with a window.” Lattanzio also noted that while some professions may prefer prestigious addresses for client impressions or status—such as attorneys or accountants—his staff valued practicality over luxury features.
Dan Kardatzke, franchise owner of three Ellie Mental Health locations, echoed similar priorities: “You want easy access,” he said about his choice for space at Spring Lake Executive Campus last fall. Economic Development Director Matt Frank reported that single-story office vacancy rates in Schaumburg stand at about 8.8% this spring but noted supply has decreased due to demolitions over the past year.
Wurtz indicated that despite growing interest in these properties built mostly during the ’80s and ’90s, new construction is unlikely soon; however, existing buildings are now better maintained than before.