Duke Realty Corp.: technology and service spark right mix for high-tech tenants.

• Position: Sponsor - Duke Realty Corp.

AN OFFICE BUILDING'S infrastructure is only one of several key components considered by technology-based companies when searching for commercial real estate.

"Technology-based companies need more than wired buildings, fiber-optic capabilities and conduits for redundant power. They want a flexible real estate developer that can accommodate their growth and consolidation and, at the same time, provide space that helps them attract and retain employees," says Jennifer Burk, senior vice president of Duke's Indiana Office Group.

Most high tech companies anticipate growth in the coming years and, as a result, often look to real estate companies who develop, own and manage master planned business parks.

Duke has a long roster of technology-based clients in Indianapolis, including Interactive Intelligence, Made2Manage Systems, Fusion Alliance, Microsoft Corp., Facts & Comparisons and Financialware; all of which have recently signed new or renewal leases with Duke.

Tenants in the technology and life sciences sector certainly consider more than just the space itself in their decisions to lease property. Amenities such as on-site food service, walking trails, fitness centers, picnic tables and nearby restaurants and shopping centers are essential to their real estate decisions.

"By constructing office buildings ahead of demand, Duke is able to offer office space in the same building or nearby buildings to accommodate future growth. In addition, Duke's parks offer extensive, high-quality amenities that help attract and retain technology-friendly employers," says Burk.

An example of a technology-friendly business park is Duke's Parkwood Crossing, a three-phase master planned office complex that will consist of 12 office buildings and nearly two million square feet. Parkwood Crossing is located near I-465 and Meridian Street, and fronts 96th Street both east and west of Meridian. Another example is Duke's Woodland Corporate Park, a six-building, 572,000-square-foot office park located near 71st Street and I-465. Both parks can accommodate additional buildings and provide tremendous flexibility for tenants. They also include existing or planned amenities such as cafes, fitness centers, walking trails and picnic areas.

Beyond the bricks and...