Challenge

Levi Strauss determined that they were going to establish a new corporate headquarters for the discount division named Brittania. After interviewing numerous brokerage firms, The Andover Company was selected to handle its 38,000 SF office relocation from San Francisco to Seattle. Levi Strauss’ move to Seattle was predicated upon returning Brittania back to its original market, reducing facility costs, and maintaining a high corporate image.

Strategy

By listening well and understanding the needs of growing companies, we were able to develop criteria to help Levi Strauss prioritize its needs regarding its future location. After studying the firm’s response to the criteria (which included issues as diverse as corporate image, budget, traffic concerns, lease term, and growth potential) we presented Levi Strauss with several possibilities. Each alternative took into consideration quantitative factors such as rental rate, turnkey tenant improvements and lease term, as well as qualitative factors such as image, proximity to amenities, employee commuting time and the quality of the respective landlord/sublessor and property manager.

Results

Levi Strauss entered into a long term below-market sublease for 38,000 SF (with expansion provisions and early release privileges) in a three-story, Class A office building in Renton. Levi Strauss met their goals of having a high image corporate location for a very reasonable cost.