While much of the focus in CoolTowns is in providing workplaces for the entrepreneurially creative, larger companies will find tremendous benefits in relocating to a CoolTown as well.  Here’s how some progressive investors are planning on that:

The key reason why most corporations don’t occupy downtown space is that it simply costs a lot more than in the suburbs, the same exact reason given by Gen Xers.  The solution provided by capacity-rich investors is investing in large

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This summary of workplace trends is brought to you by a long-time associate of mine, John Vivadelli, CEO of Agilquest which focuses on enabling modern workplaces.

“Telework/Telecommuting allows employees to work from home or a telework or touchdown center.  Teleworkers generally work off-site 2-3 days per week, and are linked to the office by cell phone, laptop and/or email.  To reap the full benefits of teleworking, organizations often implement office hoteling in conjunction.
Office

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BellSouth, one of Atlanta’s largest employers, is building three workplaces for 10,000 employees near three light rail stations.  Not only that, but they’re providing parking specifically for their employees at four outlying transit stations.*  To top it off, three of those transit stations will have satellite office space.

Now the buildings and surrounding fabric aren’t exactly creative or inspiring, but I’m sure the possibilities of zero traffic and adjacent, active nightlife

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How’s this sound if you have a current 9-5 job:

Monday: - “It’s been a long weekend - I sure feel like working at home this morning.“
Tuesday: “I woudn’t mind a 15 door-door commute to my company’s satellite office.
Wednesday: “I should meet up face-face with some people at my company’s headquarters, even though it’s 45 minutes door-door.“
Thursday: “I’ve got to sleep in.  I’ll just work late at the office today.“ 
Friday: “I’m going in early so I can take off at 3:00 pm.“
Friday alternate:

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A national workforce survey this month reveals a desire for the evolution of the decentralized, distributed workplace as isolated office parks continue to suffer vacancies:

54% seek stable income outside the conventional work structure
86% cite work/life balance & work fulfillment as #1 career priority  
73% are were willing to curtail careers to make time for family
96% are attracted to employers who offer ways for them to make time for personal responsibilities and personal development

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How do you do it without busting the Gen X piggy bank?

Let’s face it, 80% of the effort in building a true Gen X town is providing affordable homes in the coolest parts of the city.  So, while it’s hopeless to buy a $200K condo in Manhattan, it’s not out of the question to buy a cooler home between $150-$180K in a one-of-a-kind, nightlife-oriented neighborhood.

Here’s how these investors will do it:  Build not so big, stripped down/customizable units between 900 to 1200 sf, 10 ft. ceilings,

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Affordability:  Design smaller-sized 4-6 story unfinished loft-style units (like these here by Dover Kohl, an urban design firm that fundamentally understands this market) with flexible open floor plans and some detailing to add character.  Do the same with office space.  Encourage the retailers to keep it simple and aim for artful practicality and efficiency over status.  Think Parisian neighborhoods.

Entertainment & Nightlife:  Center the village around a carless piazza (that should be a

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Something less than $150,000 in the inner city or near an outer transit station.  It’d be low maintenance with high ceilings, both community and environmentally friendly.

Gen Xers prefer something stylish, efficient and flexible and did I say affordable?  They will not let homebuilders pre-determine their needs and feel they over-design new homes.  In fact, they’d like to customize their living spaces and want homes that express “Who I am.“  Non-bearing walls that can be easily changed to

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It should be clear from yesterday’s blog:

Jobs, affordability, entertainment.
Jobs, affordability, entertainment.
Jobs, affordability, entertainment.

Jobs:  This is the starting point, but the good news is that companies (and city economic development agencies) are realizing that they also need to relocate where Gen Xers most likely want to live, which means affordability with great entertainment.  That works just fine with company executives as well.  Keep in mind that the fastest growing

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Well, since most Gen Xers are single/divorced (over 70%), they sure aren’t looking to settle down in a family-oriented neighborhood.  Here are the top 10 cities that Gen Xers are migrating to:

1. Orlando: An abundance of new tech jobs and limitless entertainment are hard to resist.
2. Las Vegas:  The entertainment and affordable living capital.
3. San Francisco:  Diversity, entertainment and hundreds of great dining experiences.
4. Denver:  The outdoor entertainment capital.
5. Charlotte: 

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