Case Study: Management Science Associates (MSA)
Learn how Donahue Real Estate Advisors delivered a high-quality office environment that supports hybrid work. This successful transition reduced costs, boosted employee satisfaction, and secured a premier office space with built-in advantages for long-term growth.
Project Objectives
- Transition from a 120,000 SF space to a downsized, hybrid-friendly office in a premier Class A building.
- Create a space that appeals to employees while reflecting a shift to hybrid work.
- Incorporate employee feedback to accurately determine square footage and select a building with the best amenities.
Project Challenges
- Downsizing for Hybrid Needs: Balancing reduced square footage with enough space to accommodate employees who planned to work onsite.
- Employee Preferences: Gauging workforce willingness to return to the office and revising space requirements after feedback revealed higher-than-expected interest.
- Curveball Opportunity: A fully built-out sublease space unexpectedly became available, requiring swift lease negotiations to secure the entire floor.
- Premier Location: Identifying a site that met both management’s and employees’ preferences for Class A amenities in proximity to Pittsburgh’s prestigious universities.
Client Profile
- Size: Downsizing from 120,000 SF to 37,000 SF
- Location: East End, Pittsburgh
- Industry: Consulting
- Project Type: Office Relocation
- Company Bio: MSA specializes in analytics, informatics, and IT infrastructure to empower industries like Consumer Packaged Goods, Media, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Metals, and more. For over 50 years, MSA has delivered data-driven solutions that aid decision-making, forecasting, and workflow automation.
The Curveballs
Curveball 1: After the shortlisted buildings were identified to accommodate 15K SF, Donahue suggested that management share this information with the workforce to determine if more employees planned to come to the office because of the high quality of space and amenities.
Curveball 2: A sublease space became available during the review of proposals. Initially planning to lease only part of the floor, MSA decided to take the entire floor after updated employee feedback highlighted greater onsite interest.
Strategic Solutions by Donahue Real Estate Advisors
- Comprehensive Employee Feedback Analysis: Conducted a workforce poll to refine space needs based on hybrid work preferences.
- Market Expertise: Identified and evaluated properties offering the amenities and Class A appeal required to engage MSA’s workforce.
- Swift Lease Negotiation: Secured favorable terms for the sublease space, accommodating MSA’s decision to lease the entire floor.
- Turnkey Transition: Ensured the sublease included premium furniture and AV equipment, requiring minimal modifications to the space.
Results: Success Through Insightful Planning
- Accurate Space Sizing: Employee feedback led to a right-sized office space, balancing operational needs and workforce preferences.
- Premier Location: Secured an excellent built-out space in Pittsburgh’s East End with top-tier amenities.
- Cost Efficiency: Favorable lease terms and minimal modifications reduced transition costs while delivering a high-quality workspace.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: The space included barely-used furniture and state-of-the-art AV equipment, elevating the office environment.
Conclusion: Hybrid Success in a Premier Setting
MSA’s relocation illustrates the value of strategic planning and adaptability. By leveraging employee feedback and acting decisively on a unique sublease opportunity, Donahue Real Estate Advisors delivered a high-quality office environment that supports hybrid work. This successful transition reduced costs, boosted employee satisfaction, and secured a premier office space with built-in advantages for long-term growth.