Challenge
After more than 20 years in the Joseph Vance Building, Climate Solutions- a leading non-profit driving clean energy initiatives- faced a mounting challenge. The area around 3rd & Union had become increasingly unsafe post-COVID, discouraging staff from returning to the office. Leadership was eager to reunite the team and establish a new headquarters in a safer, more welcoming location- ideally well in advance of their lease expiration.
Action
After touring seven options, a move-in-ready, fully furnished suite on the 12th floor of the Tower Building emerged as the ideal fit. The only catch: the landlord was already deep in lease negotiations with another prospective tenant. Acting quickly, Ben Garrett leveraged his quality relationship with the landlord- having completed seven prior leases with them- to advocate for Climate Solutions. By proposing a slightly longer lease term and highlighting their strong financials and minimal build-out requirements, Climate Solutions usurped the other prospect as the more attractive, lower-risk tenant.
Results
Climate Solutions secured their top-choice space despite competing interest, and the deal came with exceptional terms:
- 3,995 SF on a high floor, “plug & play” with full furnishings
- A rental rate decrease of $12/SF from the existing Joseph Vance lease
- Significant free rent period, enabling an early move and eliminating double rent
- Stronger staff engagement via relocating to a more vibrant and secure part of Downtown Seattle
The new space allowed Climate Solutions to accelerate its return-to-office plans while maintaining fiscal responsibility.