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ATLANTA-The bonuses that can result from renovating dilapidated industrial buildings into corporate headquarters were detailed in a CoreNet Global Summit presentation here about Urban Outfitters' industrial move. The maneuver from Center City Philadelphia to an abandoned Navy Yard was seen by Dick Hayne, CEO, as compatible with the edgy retailer's brand and corporate culture.

Nevertheless, relocating employees from posh Rittenhouse Square to an abandoned industrial site four miles away, represented risk. Consultations with employees were integral to the move. Their first concern was food; the second transportation, since many walked to work.

Yet, the company's growth had dispersed them to five different office buildings, and the need for new space was critical. The retailer entered into negotiations for several conventional office locations, but rejected them. One reason why, Hayne said, "we weren't allowed to have dogs in the buildings, and we have a lot of people who bring dogs to work." The company he founded, which operates the Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People brands, "is based on creative talent," he said.