Challenge

Employees at the Spokane offices of the Department of Commerce needed an environmentally sustainable central hub for collaboration with the public, government representatives, and staff. The lease negotiation was unusually complex because of the requirement for tenants to manage their energy consumption

Solution

Commerce partnered with DES and identified a net-zero office space in the Catalyst building, located in Spokane’s University District. In addition to advanced zero-energy building operations, the building is among the first in the state to be built from Cross Laminated Timber, an engineered wood product manufactured in the northwest that does not rely on the use of old-growth timber and significantly reduces the building’s carbon footprint.

Outcome

The new space includes hoteling stations, a wellness room, smart lighting, and a common area where Commerce employees can meet with each other and members of the community.

Spokane-area employees had a soft opening of the new space before it officially opened. Tamara Roberts, managing director of office services at Commerce, said there is "a lot of excitement at Commerce about having the great opportunity to lease this green space for our Spokane-based business operations."  

To learn more about leasing opportunities, visit DES Real Estate Services.