12-story Grand Rapids LEED Class A office building completes major updates, opens Panera Bread

An outdated circa 1985 Class A office building in downtown Grand Rapids has stepped into the 21st Century after receiving some key internal upgrades including a Panera Bread restaurant, a tenant-only fitness center, and a high-tech conference room that seats 50.

99 Monroe, often referred to as the Comerica Bank building or the Campau Square building, is 12 stories in middle of downtown that has never had 100 percent occupancy. Its new owner, Naperville, IL-based Franklin Partners, plans to change that with upgrades that it hopes will attract new tenants.

Currently 50 percent occupied with tenants that include Comerica Bank on three floors, David & Wierenga, P.C., Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman, LLP, and several other companies, the building connects to the city's Skywalk.

The upgrades include new first and second floor lobbies, a redesigned entrance to the Skywalk, new flooring, and demolition of all vacant offices to white box stage.

"The sixth and seventh floors are completely open and overlook the city on all four sides," says Julie Maue, tenant relations manager. "Franklin Partners is going to be constructing a new office on the second floor -- it will be our first office in West Michigan -- so we'll have a presence in the building with a concierge desk, not a security desk. We want the building to have the look of a hotel and we'll be there in the building to provide Class A environment if they have problems or questions."

Tenants have full access to the high-tech conference/training room, which features video conferencing capabilities. Maue says having the fitness center with its workout equipment and showers, plus the Panera Bread, creates a health-focused environment. The fitness center will soon add a personal trainer, and already offers fitness classes on flexible schedules to meet tenant needs.

The office spaces lease for $22/square foot.

Source: Julie Maue, Franklin Partners
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Images courtesy of Franklin Partners and Jeff Hill