Briggs Development has acquired a development site to build a COVID-safe office project. The San Jose property will include street entry, operable windows throughout and covered outdoor seating areas. The design focuses on an indoor-outdoor model that helps to protect against viral transmission.

"Perhaps more importantly, we believe this will be a dynamic location in the near and long term. The Alameda is a historic and desirable San Jose address.  There are dozens of amenities within walking distance of this property, not to mention a diverse and vibrant culture," Jeffrey Rogers, president of Briggs Development, tells GlobeSt.com. "As we emerge from the pandemic, this property offers an ideal opportunity to create an indoor/outdoor office space model that can provide greater safety and better health to office occupiers."

While the pandemic is easing across the country and vaccine distribution is accelerating, Briggs expects to see increased concern about viral transmission and demand for health and wellness in commercial buildings. "It is interesting to see a substantial investment in combating the virus, especially considering vaccines are being distributed," says Rogers. "We do expect that virus transmission will continue to be a concern for some tenants well into the future, which is why we are focusing on creating a space with fresh air from operable windows, fewer touch points and options for outdoor meetings. We are creating an office environment where professionals can plan for a return to business as usual, while addressing the needs of tenants to feel safe, healthy and productive."