The Future of Texas Office Spaces: Innovation Driving the Real Estate Revolution 🚀

Discover the game-changing trends transforming Texas office spaces in our latest blog! We break down the major shifts shaking up the commercial real estate landscape, from soaring vacancy rates to breakthrough strategies revolutionizing leasing. Talent acquisition is the name of the game for businesses, so their needs drive leasing. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or business leader, this guide will help you navigate the evolving office market and stay ahead of the curve. 🏢

Women Leading the Charge in East Austin Commercial Real Estate Development

East Austin is getting a fresh new landmark at the corner of East Seventh Street and Pedernales, and it’s not your typical development project. WORKBENCH, a four-story office, retail, and restaurant space, with staggering odds that 3 of 6 equity partners are women. The three powerhouse women and equity partners: Jennifer Seay of Art + Artisans, Shawna Sieck of Legacy Lighting, and DeLea Becker of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate are using the development to shine a light on women in commercial real estate. This isn’t just another East Austin commercial real estate project—it's a statement on the future of women in the industry.

When a beloved Austin developer collapses mid-project, investors get burned. This post unpacks StoryBuilt’s rise and fall, the receivership filing, and what’s next for East Austin’s skyline.

"Don't face your fears, ride them" ~DeLea Becker

WORKBENCH, a 50,000 SF office development breaking ground in East Austin, is proudly 50% owned by women equity partners. Led by female founders Jennifer Seay, Shawna Sieck, and DeLea Becker, WORKBENCH stands as a symbol of progress for women in commercial real estate. This sustainable, women-led project aims to inspire female investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders to reshape the future of Austin’s business landscape.

East Austin was intentionally divided by the 1928 Master Plan, pushing minorities to one side and creating a division that would last for decades. Today, it’s not just about developing properties; it’s about preserving the rich history while steering the area toward a prosperous future. This isn’t just a business for me—it’s personal. We’re not just building structures; we’re rebuilding a community, keeping its authenticity intact while guiding it through explosive growth.

Explore why East Austin is the crown jewel of real estate in this in-depth look at its rich history, unique development, and the forces driving its rapid growth. DeLea Becker the Queen Of East Austin and a panel of fellow developers at BISNOW take you through visionary projects and community efforts are shaping the future of this dynamic area.

WHY IT MATTERS: Construction quality is not just about the aesthetics or durability of a building; it has a direct impact on insurance premiums. Poor construction practices can lead to significant issues such as water infiltration, structural damage, and increased maintenance costs, all of which drive up insurance claims and premiums.

Our recent panel discussion on construction quality, led by DeLea Becker, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high standards from the outset to avoid costly issues later. Experts Guy Dudley, Rommel Sulit, Collins Brunner, and Jeremy Smith shared insights on civil engineering, architectural perspectives, and the significant impact of insurance trends on construction practices. This comprehensive discussion provided invaluable advice for developers and contractors aiming to enhance construction quality and mitigate long-term risks.

Commercial Real Estate Leasing is an insiders game. You have to know the market, property type, demand, owner and broker personalities and strategies. It is a cross between playing poker and 2 stepping- a lot of strategy.

Seeing Signs? Rising vacancy rates, higher concessions, slower rent growth, longer lease negotiations, and increasing sublease space. Discover essential strategies for navigating a softening commercial real estate market.

Office-to-residential conversion sounds like a brilliant solution—until you get into the details. The reality? It's incredibly expensive, structurally complex, and only feasible under the right conditions. As Brad Stein of Intracorp Texas points out, successful conversions require buildings at least 30-40 years old, floor plates under 15,000 SF, and high vacancy rates that force distressed sales at land value or below. With Austin’s office vacancy sitting at 20%, conversion remains an uphill battle. Read on for a deep dive into the economics, structural challenges, and market conditions shaping this urban transformation.

Respect and gratitude are the foundation of DeLea Becker’s family business. Through her relentless focus, she’s creating a legacy in commercial real estate, empowering her son and future generations to honor the sacrifices made and build on the success of the Beck-Reit empire.

For their debut episode, the Texas Triangle Podcast had the honor of gaining insight from esteemed Dr. Lloyd Potter, a Texas State demographer. Read more information and statistics shared at the 2024 Texas Demographic Conference.

Conference season 2024 is here, yet for many women in real estate, it's also a time of heightened vigilance. Reports of harassment persist, impacting professionals across industries. Here are crucial safety tips to navigate these challenges: