Face Time - A quick look at a key issue and how one metro area expert handles it.
Jeffery Abramson, a partner in The Tower Cos. talked about the Tower Building at Tower Oaks, a 2.5 million square foot office park of office, retail, residential and hotel space, at I-270 and Wootton Parkway in Rockville. Tower Building is slated for completion by May 2001.

You’re billing this as the "first new office building of the 21st century." Why?
The most critical factor today to be successful in this very competitive world business environment is attracting and retaining qualified employees. Employees are your lifeblood.

Super Class A is the new standard to total office building designed to meet the challenges of business today.

It is the total work environment created by highly visible, inspiring, dynamic architecture.

It is technologically and environmentally advanced, with smart, green specifications, designed for health, for operating efficiencies and for greater business success.

It is accessibility. We have have direct access off I-270. It is the setting the building is in, 14 acres of streams, parks and jogging trails.

Super Class A buildings are very rare, but they are critical to the support of innovative and progressive businesses.

What are the rents?
The rents will be in the low $30s, but due to our efficient mechanical systems, this building will have reduced operating costs compared to most buildings.

How does the architecture contribute to your building?
Inspiring architecture inspires people to want to work in that building. Employees feel they don’t just work in another building, but in a highly visible symbol of technology and innovation.