Attention all landlords: The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce is accelerating its search for new office space.

And it doesn’t need to look like what it occupies now - nor does it need to be downtown.

The current chamber office is up for sublease as the chamber explores its options for smaller, less expensive space.

Board member and commercial broker Newcombe Clark is leading the search for the new space. He's also handling the sublet for the chamber and is donating his time.

He won’t say whether there’s a potential tenant in line, but will say the chamber has to move faster on finding a new office.

“Due to surprisingly strong interest in our space, we’ve had to accelerate our next step toward exploring options … which is exploring where we can land,” Clark said.

“Right now we feel it’s in our best interest to explore where to move.”

So what's the chamber looking for?

The requirements don’t include remaining downtown, Clark said.

“Some people would like to be downtown, but others don’t mind it moving,” Clark said. “Much of our business doesn’t need to be downtown.”

And the requirements don’t mandate a conference room since officials believe they could borrow space from partner organizations for board meetings.

The chamber is seeking:

• Somewhere between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet, down from 6,300 square feet.
• Furnished is a plus.
• Ditto onsite office equipment.
• Parking for up to 10 cars, either onsite and free or nearby at a cost.

It also needs to find downtown space for the getDowntown program, with room for two people and access to a closed room: “Something very small where (they) can land for the next 12-18 months," Clark said.

Clark said he’s talked with many people about the office space need, but he wants to get the word out further since a decision could be made soon. Anyone with space to be considered should contact him at (734) 665-6500.

“I’ll be reporting (options) to the board … no later than the end of the month,” he said.

Paula Gardner is business director for AnnArbor.com, where she covers real estate and development. Contact her by email or 734-623-2586.
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