CBRE recently unveiled plans to energize the 7000 Central Park workplace with major renovations that call for coworking spaces, special events and entertainment options. Could this be a next-gen office prototype?

GlobeSt.com caught up with Jeff Keppen, senior vice president at CBRE, to learn more about the office building’s metamorphosis in part two of this exclusive interview. You can still read part one, which focuses on the TAMI—technology arts, media and information technology—aspects of the marketing strategy.

GlobeSt.com: Many young professionals tend to gravitate toward more urban locations for work. How does 7000 Central Park counter that trend given its suburban setting and backdrop?

Keppen: A lot of what young professionals want revolves around walkability and amenities, and they want those things in a creative environment. 7000 Central Park has all of that and with ample free parking at a steep discount when compared to many in town options.

Our location also offers companies the ability to attract young professionals who live in town as well as those who live in Atlanta’s great suburban residential areas. Our free five-star shuttle service offers a two-minute drive to the nearby Sandy Springs MARTA station, making it convenient for workers taking mass transit from the city.

Our close proximity to Interstate 285 and Georgia 400 offers several different access points for commuters driving in from all directions. 7000 Central Park really is “central” in terms of its advantageous location that blurs the lines between suburban and urban. You have the best of both worlds with ease of transportation and major dining, retail and entertainment destinations nearby, and we feel all of these factors resonate with young, talented professionals.

GlobeSt.com: New community event programming is a big focal point of the plans for 7000 Central Park. Why are you going that route, and what will it accomplish?

Keppen: Simply said, programming creates culture and community. This is what really ties it all together. Tenants have been surprised at the level of changes so far, and we’re just scratching the surface in terms of other initiatives that are still to come. The capital improvements, top-tier amenities and non-traditional event programming have appeared on a scattered basis in Midtown and other in town hot spots, but certainly not in Perimeter Center.

Thinking outside the box in terms of programming and events has been a real differentiator, and we feel that’s where the next era that many call “the new way of working” is heading. An event like our “Movies by the Lake” series reflects the types of interactive, engaging and community building experiences that we seek to create for our tenants. This office building is no longer just a place to clock in and go to work, but rather a community that makes your workday a comprehensive experience that you can also share with your family, friends and coworkers.

GlobeSt.com: What kind of feedback are you getting so far from current and prospective tenants?

Keppen: The feedback has been very supportive and encouraging thus far because our tenants see the value in where we want to go and how it will positively impact their own company culture and day-to-day operations. The next generation of workers is raising the bar, and we’re excited to meet the challenge head-on by creating spaces and experiences that resonate with top talent.

I think a lot of prospective tenants we’re meeting with right now are putting heavy emphasis on landing in a workplace community that is energized and vibrant. They understand our level of commitment when viewing the capital improvements, enhanced amenities and innovative programming, and how that correlates to the destination experience they’re seeking.

One of the things we’re hearing in particular is how impressed our tenants are with the new and improved high-tech conference room and training centers on the ground floor. It has quickly become a popular area due to its ease of use and top-end amenities, and several tenants have noted how the additional meeting space has positively impacted daily operations within their own organizations. Momentum continues to grow at 7000 Central Park, and we anticipate sharing more good news on what’s ahead later this year.