In an era where urban centres have typically dominated commercial real estate, the strategic advantages of suburban spaces make a compelling alternative for businesses seeking dynamic locations. Edon’s leasing opportunities largely exist outside of the downtown core, providing a unique perspective as trends in remote work and changing attitudes to office spaces continue to shift the landscape of suburban office environments.
Cost is often a key factor when looking at leasing options, making suburban spaces a very attractive choice due to lower property taxes, lower operating expenses, and lower parking rates. Surface parking for employees is also much less expensive in suburban areas, with ample spaces set aside at low- or no-cost for clients and customers.
Convenience is another reason to consider looking outside of downtown for your next space. Suburban properties are often situated near major transportation routes, making them easily accessible for employees and clients. And while many urban centres boast nearby amenities, the same is generally true for suburban buildings that are often not more than a couple of minutes from a mall or shopping centre.
Suburban office spaces can also be more resilient in the face of disruptions, such as natural disasters or pandemics. With a dispersed workforce and lower population density, businesses may find it easier to adapt to unforeseen challenges, a consideration that has become more prominent with the recent need for social distancing and increased health and safety measures.
Determining what’s most important to your company, your staff, and your clients will ultimately direct your next leasing decision, and it may be that suburban office buildings are the right choice for you. To see more of Edon’s suburban offices, visit our Leasing Page.
Suburban/Urban Comparison as of April, 2024
| Airstate Centre, 1200 – 59th Ave SE, Calgary, managed by Edon | Average* Downtown Calgary Office Buildings | |
| Property Tax | $3.40/square foot | $5.31/square foot |
| Operating Costs | $10.42/square foot | $17.43/square foot |
| Typical Floor Plate | 40,300 square feet | 21,450 square feet |
| Reserved Monthly Underground Parking | 285 stalls leasing at $75 per stall/month | 445 stalls leasing at $588 per stall/month |
| Surface Parking Stalls | 184 stalls at $0 per stall/month | N/A |
| Visitor Parking Stalls | 27 stalls at no cost to visitors | Street or underground public parking paid by the hour |
| Fitness Facility with Locker Rooms | Yes | Yes in 75% of buildings |
| Concierge | No | No in 80% of buildings |
| Security | CCTV playback available, after-hours mobile guard | 24/7 manned security with monitored CCTV |
| Other Building Amenities | Landscaped outdoor picnic area | Conference centre in 75% of buildings, lounges and ATMs at 40% of buildings |
| Distance to Emergency Medical Facilities | Rockyview General Hospital: 6.4 kms/9 mins | Sheldon Chumir Urgent Care Facility: 1km/5 mins |
| Nearby Shopping/Restaurants | Deerfoot Meadows, Heritage Gate – 5 minute drive | Food court and retail within the building or adjacent buildings |
| Public Transit | Bus service to 39th Avenue & Chinook C-Train Stations | Multiple downtown bus routes, average walk of 5 mins to C-Train |
| Access to Major Thoroughfares | Deerfoot Trail, Macleod Trail, Blackfoot Trail, Glenmore Trail, and Heritage Drive | Memorial Drive, Crowchild Trail, Macleod Trail, Bow Trail, and Deerfoot Trail |
*This information is an average of 15 office buildings located across Calgary’s Downtown Core. It is a representation of many different landlords and property management companies, tenant mixes, and building sizes.Â