Choosing an office space for your St. Louis startup
St. Louis has been in its fair share of business journal articles lately, and for good reason. The local startup culture is thriving, and companies from other states are looking to lay down roots in our city.
Whether your business is new to customers or new to the area, it’s important to find the right office space to help your venture grow and thrive. Because we know the right space can make your bottom line (and the wrong space can break it!) you have a few considerations to make before choosing your new HQ.
Location, location, location.
As with all real estate, the most important factor to consider is where it’s located. Will clients be able to find it? Is it near amenities that attract employees — like restaurants or public transportation? Do the businesses in the area support your mission? How’s the commute, and is parking available for both clients and employees? These are all important questions to ask and answer.
After the logistics are ironed out, think about the aesthetics of the office. People meeting with your team will pay attention to the look of your workplace, and it will stick in their minds. Make sure you’re sending them the right message. Also, supporting employee wellbeing means giving them a space they actually enjoy working in, with plenty of flexibility and natural lighting.
Find the Right Fit
Startups are notorious for having tight resources, and that includes the budget for office space. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the space that’s available. Think about cleverly designed storage that also allows room for the whole team to work productively without crowding each other.
Don’t overlook future growth, either. Even if your business needs to take on more hires, you may not be ready to move your office (and you may not want to when you find the right fit). Consider how potential office space can be reconfigured to fit more employees and keep that in mind when making a decision.
Pricing it right
Monthly costs are a key factor in deciding on your next space. If you’re putting your bottom line at risk with your monthly lease payments, there’s a good chance it’s not the right choice for your St. Louis startup. It’s also easy to overlook other regular expenses that could drive your budget into the red — think about costs such as internet access and paid parking.
One easy way to avoid these pricey surprises is by choosing an office space that offers these amenities and more. Look at buildings with parking garages, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and offices that can be customized to meet your startup’s needs.
Don’t forget engagement!
Your success depends on your best asset: employees. It’s no secret by now that a happy, engaged employee boosts overall productivity of an organization regardless of its size. Your new office space should help support a workplace culture that values each and every team member.
When looking at spaces, ensure there’s room to create this culture. Small perks like a dedicated meditation space or innovation-boosting “huddle” rooms for videoconferencing can offer everyone the tools they need to stay passionate about their job.
Accessibility matters
Think about what you and your team will have access to in your new space. Make sure to ask these questions about any new space:
Is the building compliant with ADA regulations that allow anyone to navigate easily?
Are basic amenities such as retail stores and restaurants easily accessible?
Will you have access to consistent, high-quality internet services?
Can clients and other visitors find parking at your office?
How is the building protected in case of an emergency?
Is it easy to process monthly lease payments and service requests?
How will the building management team respond to issues that may arise?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current office space or you’re moving into a new St. Louis HQ, consider the Globe Building as an option. Our vintage industrial space in the heart of downtown Innovation District boasts seven floors that span more than two acres. Twelve fiber providers serving the five data centers and other tenants in the property make the building the “smartest” in the St. Louis region.
Ready to see how a new workplace can transform your business? Get in touch with our team to schedule a tour.
