As construction on the Uptown Innovation Corridor officially started earlier this year, Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) created a Talent Kitchen Cabinet (TKC) comprised of the very kinds of talent the region wants to attract and retain: college students who are nearing graduation and young professionals. TKC members provide advice and perspective on Corridor plans to ensure that the development attracts talent to the area and fuels innovation.
UCI recently made the TKC available to Corridor developers for a wide-ranging discussion on the kinds of built environments, designs and amenities that would attract them to jobs in the Corridor. During the conversation, a few overarching themes emerged.
1. If you’re going to ask, make sure you listen.
Talent is well aware of the corporate world’s desire to cater to it. They are also used to being asked about their likes and dislikes, which they are happy to share. But they get frustrated when their ideas are not incorporated – both because they believe in their ideas and because it feels like lip service to be asked but not heard.
2. Make it multi-modal.
Talent is very interested in how to best manage its transportation needs and wants options that fit its lifestyle. Make it easy to bike and walk to work – including having showers onsite. Designate a place that make Uber pick-ups and drop-offs easy. Take ridesharing and food deliveries into consideration. And be aware of changing transportation desires and options; it is not a static marketplace.
3. Connect to nature.
They call it “the outside coming inside,” and they don’t see a lot of instances where it’s done right. Sometimes it is as easy as incorporating natural light and being able to see outside (read: lots of windows). Include courtyards that are easily accessible and conducive to work. More ambitious options may include plant and water walls and rooftop gardens.
4. Have lots of amenities.
Talent looks for the integration of their work and private lives, and this orientation is reflected in the wide variety of amenities in which they expressed interest. They would appreciate access to “everything you need without leaving the space,” including not only the obligatory coffee shop but grocery and convenience stores, pop-up shops, food trucks and workout options featuring the latest trends (CrossFit, Orange Theory, yoga). Amenities also means programming, much of it geared toward music and art – and opportunities to gather after work at work.
5. The Eco Corridor idea is a hit.
The Corridor is clearly on the right track with its planned eco corridor, which generated great enthusiasm with the TKC. The eco corridor – a signature green space and recreation area that runs the length of the Innovation Corridor – addresses several Talent interests at once, including the integration of nature into the development, programming opportunities and connectivity to the neighborhood.
This content was originally published in the Uptown Innovation Corridor newsletter. Sign up for the Corridor newsletter below for more updates.