Commercial Space 101
Understanding the ins and outs of lease negotiation, a commercial build-out process, and navigating the complex regulatory process are daunting tasks for a local business. Unlike national chain stores or large corporations who have a team of consultants to handle this aspect of their business, local businesses often have to learn or guess what to do on the fly, while trying to accomplish other critical tasks necessary to start—or continue—operating a business.
Trying to calculate monthly rent on a potential commercial space? Use the space need estimator and cost calculator that Austin Tenant Advisors created to help you estimate.
Lowcountry Local First’s Commercial Space Advisory Team to assist local businesses with the task of answering these questions in a professional and confidential setting. Locals experts helping local businesses.
The Advisory Team is not intended to replace the services of professionals in the real estate industry. Rather, it’s meant to offer advice and guidance in an unbiased, objective and limited format. It’s a starting place, really. Example advising may include:
- Pointing local businesses in the right direction. (Do you need an architect? How much space do you need? Etc.)
- Offering ideas or different solutions to consider. (What if you lease a bigger space than you need and sub-lease to a friend and share a conference room?)
- Confirm marketplace assumptions. (What can I expect expense pass-throughs to be? How can I compare a full service lease with a net lease?)
- Explaining common lease terms. (What needs to be considered given my business plan? Should I engage an attorney?)
- Permitting and zoning. (I have a great opportunity to lease a property, but the zoning doesn’t fit my business. What next?)
COMMERCIAL SPACE ADVISORY TEAM MEMBERS
Real Estate (Broker, Developer, Finance)
- Ben Perrone, Rainbow Row Real Estate
- Ed Kronsberg, Addlestone International
- Frank Haygood, Investor
- Jim Haley, Cityvolve
- Jonathan Oakman, Landmark Enterprises
- Luiz Yamashita, Dunes Commercial Properties
- Trey Lucy, Belk Lucy
- Vitré Ravenel Stephens, Harbor Commercial Partners
Design (Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban Design)
- Amy Chico, HLA
- David Thompson, David Thompson Studio
- Erin Stevens, Surculus
Regulatory (Zoning, Permitting, Legal)
- Andy Gowder, Austen and Gowder
- Eric Pohlman, City of Charleston, West Ashley Planning and Sustainability Coordinator
- Meg Thompson, City of Charleston, Dept of Business & Neighborhood Services
- Niki Grimball, Town of James Island, James Island Town Administrator
- Ryan Johnson, City of North Charleston, Economic Development Director
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
All industries and business types are invited to participate. LLF staff will respond to all inquiries and determine if a consultation is appropriate.
TESTIMONIALS:
“We cannot thank you enough for that connection! He was extremely helpful in explaining exactly what we've been trying to figure out. It is hard to imagine moving forward productively without that conversation.” – Joel
"The advising session offered a lot of valuable insight and was great motivation for us to keep moving forward. We're getting pretty close to finally taking the plunge! Talking with others who have already done it is very helpful. Thank you so much for all you and LLF have done to help us through this BIG step in our lives! We hope to be able to create a space that will foster community and encourage people to seek out and support all of the amazing local businesses." – Rachel
The new office was a great find, and we have our friends at Lowcountry Local First to thank. LLF provides a great platform for local entrepreneurs, and they've put a lot of energy into connecting businesses with opportunities and resources. If you need help finding a space for your business, consider joining LLF and taking advantage of their Commercial Space Services. – Jennifer
Thank you to our funders for supporting this project:
CONTACT:
To learn more please contact Ryan Kortrey at ryan@lowcountrylocalfirst.org phone (843) 801-3390, or please complete this short questionnaire, and we will contact you: