CREW Atlanta Members Get Creative in Suite Deal at Bank of America Plaza
Stacy Robinson, Business Development Manager with The HON Company, was on a mission to show the architectural and design communities that she represents a company that offers way more than file cabinets. To do that, she needed access to a workspace that would house the products and showcase their beauty, form and function, but she didn’t have a budget for a lease. With a heaping measure of determination passed down from her grandmother, Robinson knew her vision would be fulfilled. She just needed to find the right person and then ask for what she needed.
Jenny Lane, Senior Property Manager with CP Group, had newly renovated spec suites available for lease in Bank of America Plaza. The property team at the 55-story skyscraper had recently completed building upgrades in Atlanta’s tallest building and was looking for tenants to lease their vacant suites. While the renovations were great, Lane knew staging a suite could help a potential tenant visualize the space’s full potential, providing a visual sense of scale and enhancing its appeal, but she didn’t have a budget for furnishings.
Lane credits Robinson for being the catalyst for the deal. “From the start, we knew the partnership would be mutually beneficial, but we didn’t know how to structure our “ask” to our respective companies. Stacy was always confident that we could figure it out.” And they did!
In the end, the deal was structured such that The Hon Company received a suite with the lease valued at $170,125 to use as a workspace, adding measurable ROI to CP Group’s major capital investment. The HON Company pays for parking, maintenance and janitorial services. When a tenant leases the space, they have 30 days to relocate to another suite (if available). In return, The Hon Company contributed over $300,000 in high-end furniture, giving the suite a polished and professional finish. CP Group now has a beautifully furnished spec suite available to show potential tenants, and The HON Company provides a discount and quick turnaround for furniture orders. The space is also available for training and events by CREW Atlanta and other CRE organizations.
Stacy reached out to other CREW members with an opportunity to contribute to the deal. Laura Roberts with Custom Sign Factory contributed to the suite’s branding and wayfinding signage. Kasie Grant with Baker Audio Visual designed and installed state-of-the-art monitors and conference room technology. Together, these CREW members demonstrated what it means to have a valuable, robust and collaborative network at your fingertips.
This not merely a creatively structured deal, it is an inspirational story too. When asked what they learned and would share from the experience with other CREW members, Lane said, “When I have good ideas, I learned that I need to ask and advocate for myself—especially when the ideas are non-traditional.”
Robinson shared this advice, “Be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. My grandmother was right. Closed mouths don’t get fed!"
CREW Atlanta members involved in this deal
Baker Audio Visual
CP Group
Custom Sign Factory
The HON Company
Diana Robinson-Sinkford, MovePlan
Diana is a Senior Workplace Project Manager at MovePlan with expertise in change management, move management, tenant improvements, and furniture and equipment decommissioning. With more than 20 years of experience in the moving industry and commercial interior buildouts, she brings strong project knowledge and practical solutions to every project. Diana is known for her organization, attention to detail, and positive attitude. She helps support stakeholders and end users through every stage of a project.
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