Hines has prepared its elevators to operate with social distancing and sanitation in the new pandemic environment.
HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Houston based Hines, which has a presence in 24 countries and currently has 232 million SF in its property and management portfolio, has created new safety procedures and a tenant guidebook for returning to work following the Covid-19 shelter-in-place programs.
At its properties, Hines will institute enhanced sanitation protocols, limits on elevator ride capacity, social density graphic displays in common areas and readily available hand sanitizer and many other procedures.
Hines’s highly detailed tenant guide also offers suggestions for new business etiquette in the Covid-19 office environment. “Do not shake hands; instead, wave,” the guidebook says.
In a letter to tenants, Jeff Hines, the firm’s President and CEO, says that Hines has long been a leader in adopting stringent indoor air quality programs, a vital safety feature in the skyscrapers in these times.
“As we embrace the new normal, the strength of our client relationships has never been more meaningful. We ask you to continue to bond in partnership with us, as we work together as a community to stop the spread of the virus: and germs in general. While this experience has been a wakeup call for society, we will emerge a safer world if we all work together on this journey,” Jeff Hines said.
In some buildings, Hines said, “Lobby furniture may be removed or reconfigured to support social distancing and limit common area congregation. Some amenities may be temporarily closed or reconfigured.”
Hines said security team members and building personnel will be wearing PPE (personal protection equipment). Buildings will be equipped with multiple hand sanitizer stations.
Hines said it will operate with enhanced building-wide communication with prompt case reporting to tenant contacts. The company is providing tenant’s with a 24-page guide on returning to the office.
Many companies continue with work-from-home policies. Operating in the pandemic has provided a thorough test of the process, highlighting the benefits and shortcomings of home offices.
Hines is one of the largest real estate organizations in the world. Since the firm was founded in 1957, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired 1,393 properties, totaling over 459 million SF.
Hines has $133.3 billion of assets under management – including $71 billion for which Hines serves as an investment manager, including non-real estate assets, and $62.3 billion for which Hines provides third-party property services.
Hines has 165 new developments currently underway around the world, including a recently announced $2.3 billion office project with S.L. Green Realty in New York City.
