The commercial real estate market is shifting fast. According to JLL, buildings with a wider range of amenities will see 12% higher tenant demand by 2025. That makes sense. In a crowded market, a gym or conference room is no longer enough to stand out.
Property owners are now turning to unique amenities that do more than attract tenants. These features can generate media buzz, improve a building’s reputation, and support higher rental rates. The real question is not whether to invest in standout features, but which ones offer the strongest return in both tenant satisfaction and PR impact.
What makes building amenities truly unique?
The most impactful amenities share three traits:
They offer real experiences. These are features people remember, talk about, and actively use. They can even support a company’s ability to attract and retain talent.
They get noticed. Whether through innovation, sustainability, or novelty, these amenities are naturally media-friendly. They spark social shares and press mentions without needing a PR push.
They reflect real values. The best amenities tap into what people care about today, like wellness, sustainability, and community. That makes them feel authentic and aligned with modern work culture.
Studies show that being close to nature improves mental health and supports creative thinking. That is why more building owners are investing in amenities that do more than fill space. They are choosing experiences that make workdays better.
7 building features that attract tenants and generate headlines
1. Urban beekeeping and nature-based programs
Rooftop beehives are becoming one of the most distinctive amenities in commercial real estate. These programs bring together sustainability, tenant engagement, and memorable experiences—all in one package.
Featured examples
KBS properties across multiple locations feature rooftop apiaries, with each hive producing approximately 100 pounds of honey per year that’s distributed to tenants in branded jars.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management partnered with Alvéole to bring urban beekeeping to more than 30 of its buildings, allowing tenants to track bee health online.
ONE Liberty Place in Philadelphia has hosted honey bees on their rooftop since 2021, featuring informational events where participants can ask beekeeping questions and make candles from beeswax.
These programs offer more than honey. They provide tangible ESG value, support LEED or BOMA BEST certification, and offer tenants a hands-on connection to nature. They also create storytelling moments for company newsletters, media features, and sustainability reports.
Urban beekeeping gets regular press coverage because it checks multiple boxes. It is visual, it supports biodiversity, and it signals a building’s commitment to meaningful sustainability.
2. Smart building IoT integration
Smart buildings use connected sensors to optimize everything from energy use to indoor air quality. These systems make buildings more efficient, healthier, and more comfortable for tenants.
Featured example
The Edge in Amsterdam, designed by PLP Architecture for Deloitte, features 28,000 connected sensors that regulate the operation of all devices throughout the 40,000 m² building. The IoT system controls occupancy, routing, heating, and ventilation, achieving an unprecedented 98.36% energy efficiency. Each of the 6,000 LED lights are computer controllable, and the Philips ‘coded-light’ system allows for smartphone location tracking accurate to within 20cm.
IoT systems go beyond energy savings. They support predictive maintenance, automate climate control, and adjust lighting based on occupancy. This creates a better tenant experience while significantly lowering operating costs.
3. Triple net-zero design features
The Triple Net-Zero Design philosophy pushes beyond traditional sustainability goals, aiming to achieve three critical objectives: net-zero energy, net-zero water, and net-zero carbon. Buildings incorporating these systems don’t just reduce environmental impact: they become regenerative environments that give back to their surroundings.
Featured example
The Bullitt Center in Seattle achieves net-zero energy and water through its 575-panel rooftop solar array that generated 30% more energy than the building consumed in its first 10 years. The six-story commercial building collects all rainwater in a 50,000-gallon cistern, treats it to potable standards, and supplies all water needs. Built with FSC-certified heavy timber construction, the building is designed for a 250-year lifespan and earned Living Building Challenge certification, the most ambitious sustainability benchmark in the built environment.
Key features include solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and carbon-sequestering materials. These upgrades reduce utility costs, boost property value, and signal clear leadership in environmental performance.
4. Wellness-focused fitness centers
Today’s tenants expect more than a basic gym. High-end fitness centers have become full-service wellness hubs that support health, community, and retention.
Featured examples
Hudson Yards in New York features the largest Equinox ever built. This 60,000-square-foot luxury fitness destination spans two floors with an outdoor heated pool, 25-yard indoor saltwater lap pool, 25,000-square-foot spa, and dedicated studios for yoga, Pilates, and cycling.
Chicago’s Aon Center houses Peak Fitness Center on the 70th floor, offering 15,000 square feet of fitness facilities with panoramic views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. More than 2,000 people maintain year-long memberships, representing 22% of the building’s employees.
These facilities go beyond fitness. They offer group classes, personal training, nutrition counseling, and wellness programs that help tenants feel better and stay longer.
One in three employees lacks access to health and wellness amenities. Forward-thinking buildings are filling that gap, and standing out in the process.
5. Experiential outdoor spaces
Outdoor areas are no longer just break spots. They have become functional, engaging spaces that support work, wellness, and community.
Featured example
Flyte in Los Angeles features a metal archway entrance leading to an open courtyard with amphitheater seating, various interactive meeting and lounge areas, large fire tables, and integrated conference spaces. The space includes outdoor fitness classes, bocce ball, table tennis, food trucks, and a geometric wall mural. LPA Design Studios created the space by replacing unused lawn area with a multi-use garden and courtyard that offers flexible meeting spaces, communal fire pits, hanging chairs, outdoor office pods, and a dining deck.
Terraces, outdoor workstations, and event-friendly layouts turn these spaces into valuable extensions of the office. They support tenant wellbeing, help attract creative companies, and build stronger ties with the local community.
These environments do more than look good. They create daily moments of engagement, and open the door to PR, tenant retention, and neighborhood goodwill.
6. Wellness-focused medical facilities
On-site healthcare is becoming a priority in commercial buildings. Medical services like urgent care, testing, and prescriptions offer tenants convenience and peace of mind, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Featured example
Hudson Yards offers members-only medical services at 55 Hudson Yards. Tenants can access discreet testing and immediate care without leaving the building, setting a new standard for health-focused amenities.
More buildings are adding features such as health screenings, pharmacy services, and telehealth rooms. These upgrades signal a clear commitment to tenant wellbeing while offering practical support for today’s health-conscious workforce.
7. Hospitality-inspired social hubs
Workplaces are taking cues from high-end hotels. Lounge areas, cafes, and social spaces now offer the comfort and versatility of home, without sacrificing professionalism.
Featured example
Aon Center’s Cloud Level on the 70th floor includes Remedy, an exclusive tenant lounge with café and bar serving coffee, snacks, and cocktails. The 34,000-square-foot amenity space also features a library, multiple conference rooms for 6 to 80 people, and social areas designed for both relaxation and professional networking.
These types of amenities, private dining rooms, social clubs, and multipurpose spaces, help tenants connect, recharge, and collaborate. They turn buildings into communities where people want to stay, even after hours.
The PR value of standout amenities
Unique building features do more than attract tenants. They create a steady stream of marketing and media opportunities that build long-term visibility and credibility.
Ongoing content opportunities
Distinctive amenities fuel social media posts, press releases, and thought leadership content that keeps your building in the spotlight.
Industry recognition
Buildings with innovative features often earn awards and certifications. These bring media coverage and strengthen your market position.
Tenant storytelling
Amenities open the door for co-branded campaigns, case studies, and shared success stories that promote both you and your tenants.
Local engagement
Programs that support the broader community, like beehives or pollinator gardens, build goodwill and attract local press.
How to take action
Bringing unique amenities to life takes more than a good idea. It requires a clear plan, tailored to your building’s audience and goals.
| Amenity type | Implementation time | Upfront investment | Ongoing costs | Media buzz potential | Tenant retention impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Beekeeping | 3-6 months | Low | Low (maintenance) | High | Medium-High |
| Smart IoT Systems | 6-12 months | High | Medium (software) | Medium | High |
| Net-Zero Features | 12-24 months | Very High | Low (savings) | Very High | High |
| Premium Fitness | 6-9 months | High | High (staffing) | Medium | Very High |
| Outdoor Spaces | 4-8 months | Medium | Low (landscaping) | Medium-High | Medium |
| Medical Facilities | 9-15 months | High | High (staffing) | High | Medium |
| Social Hubs | 3-6 months | Medium | Medium (operations) | Low-Medium | High |
Start by understanding your tenants. What do they value? What experiences will make them stay longer and speak positively about your building?
Next, look for features with built-in media appeal. Prioritize amenities that align with larger trends like sustainability, wellness, or technology. These are the stories the press wants to tell.
Then, plan for activation. Amenities only deliver value if they are used. Build programming and communications around each one to drive engagement and visibility.
Finally, measure the impact. Track tenant satisfaction, occupancy rates, and press mentions. This data will help prove ROI and guide future investments.
In today’s market, differentiation drives demand. Properties that offer standout, story-worthy experiences attract attention, earn loyalty, and stay top of mind. Unique amenities are no longer a luxury, they are a strategic asset.
