Landlords are gearing up to welcome people back into their buildings, but Oliver Carr, CEO of Carr Properties, claims that the government is not providing enough guidance on how to keep these spaces safe.
“Today it is catch-as-catch-can,” said Carr. “Every owner is coming up with their own plan. Maybe they’re talking with people, but we really do need some uniform guidelines.”
With Carr’s portfolio consisting of 96% office space, he stated he has created a task force on how to bring tenants back to work, dependent upon when Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia lift their stay-at-home orders.
The company is looking into implementing protocols that encourage physical distancing and cleanliness amongst occupants. This includes installing hand sanitizer stations, requiring face masks, keeping gyms and conference rooms closed and limiting elevator occupancy. The company is also looking into new HVAC systems to improve air quality, as well as UV lighting to kill viruses.
While Carr has praised Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for launching numerous committees dedicated to offering guidance in returning to normal, he said he wants a clearer view on whether building managers should take the temperature of those coming into the building, or even provide COVID-19 tests.
Carr also operates its own flexible office brand, WaveOffice, and he expects that the industry will survive, particularly among providers with large enterprise users. Those that are smaller and have high density may not come out as lucky though.
