CBRE: Four Oaks Place Earns Fitwel Certification

CBRE announced that Four Oaks Place has earned the Fitwel Certification. Four Oaks Place is a 2.3 million-sq.-ft., Class A office complex in Houston’s Uptown Galleria submarket.

Fitwel, a leading real estate certification system committed to building health for all, evaluates the impact of new and existing buildings have on the environment and its occupants.

Four Oaks Place has achieved the Fitwel Certification by implementing strategies in the following seven health impact categories:

• Impacts Surrounding Community Health
• Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism
• Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations
• Instills Feelings of Well-Being
• Enhances Access to Healthy Foods
• Promotes Occupant Safety
• Increases Physical Activity

The Fitwel Certification is determined by evaluating how buildings or office spaces compare to each of the Fitwel Strategies, awarding points for efforts in each category. The Fitwel Certification Team uses two independent reviewers to evaluate and assign a numerical score to each project, which determines the certification rating level. The certification is valid for three years.

Four Oaks Place, comprised of five buildings, is LEED and Energy Star certified and includes expansive green space. Its prime location in uptown Houston boosts flexibility, walkability and proximity to abundant amenities. The complex provides best-in-class amenities including full-service cafeteria, on-site restaurant, state of the art conferencing facilities, fully staffed fitness center, on-site car wash, electric car charging stations and more.

“Tenant satisfaction and experience is paramount for Nuveen and the Fitwel certification helps demonstrate that at Four Oaks,” said Skylar Huth, Director, Asset Management at Nuveen Real Estate. “We have worked hard to partner with our tenants and understand what is important for them and amenities such as Work and Mother, upgraded outdoor space and fitness and wellness initiatives are a huge part of providing an elevated tenant experience.”

CBRE property management spearheaded the certification process on behalf of ownership, a joint venture between Nuveen Real Estate and Allianz. One building in the Four Oaks Place complex, 1500 Post Oak Blvd. earned a 2-Star rating and the four other buildings at 1300, 1330, 1360 and 1400 Post Oak Blvd. earned a 1-Star rating.

“The five buildings that make up the Four Oaks Place office park have demonstrated a commitment to the ESG initiatives that Fitwel measures across more than 55 evidence-based design and operational strategies that enhance buildings by addressing health behaviors and risks,” said Jeff Greensage, CBRE Property Management Associate Director. “We look forward to continuing that commitment and ensuring the longevity of these building practices across the Four Oaks Place office complex.”

Russell Hodges, Bubba Harkin, Kristen Rabel and Jenny Sealy with CBRE lease Four Oaks Place.

“The Fitwel Certification further underscores Nuveen’s commitment to providing a best-in-class office environment for its tenants and their employees,” said Russell Hodges, Executive Vice President at CBRE. “Most office workers are not actively thinking about whether their building and landlord are spending time and money to promote healthy lifestyles, but Nuveen is doing this on an ongoing basis. The result of these endeavors, when combined with other focused efforts geared towards enhancing the overall tenant experience, is a continued commitment to Four Oaks from our tenants.”

Fitwel was initially created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design is the sole licensed operator of Fitwel.