For any growing business, deciding on the right office area is a huge decision, and it is about more than just space and rent. At Bonan Towers, we agree that deciding on a workspace that is welcoming and friendly to everyone is not only a legal requirement but also a smart business approach. This is where an ADA business space for lease comes in, playing an important role in increasing your client base and boosting your brand’s reputation.

What is an ADA-Compliant Business Space?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including business places. For commercial properties, this means removing obstacles to make sure people with disabilities have the same access to your goods and services as everyone else.

When you search for a new accessible office space for lease, you are looking for a space that meets these unique design needs. The good news is that many modern buildings are built with these requirements in mind, making it less complicated to find the right area.

Common ADA features you will locate in an inclusive office space include:

• Ramps and Lifts: 

Accessible ramps with a particular slope (no steeper than 1:12) are required for any change in elevation, providing a smooth path for wheelchair clients.

• Accessible Parking: 

Designated parking spots, usually placed closest to the doorway, are wider to allow for mobility device transfers and must be clearly marked. 

• Wide Doorways and Hallways: 

Doors should have a minimum clear width of 32 inches, and hallways should be large enough to allow for easy maneuverability.

• Appropriate Signage: 

Braille and raised lettering on signs are essential, particularly for identifying permanent rooms like restrooms and stairwells.

• Accessible Restrooms: 

Accessible restrooms have grab bars, lower sinks, and enough room for a wheelchair to turn around.

• Elevators: 

In buildings with more than one floor, elevators are quite important for easy access to all of them.

While building owners are usually responsible for common places like parking lots and shared lobbies, tenants are regularly responsible for ensuring that the interior in their leased space is compliant.

The Business Case for Accessibility: Why ADA Compliance is Good for Growth

Beyond legal compliance, an ADA-compliant commercial space also gives your firm a strong competitive edge that helps it flourish..

• Wider Customer Reach: 

Over 61 million Americans live with a disability, a vast portion of the population that holds extensive spending power. By making sure your business is accessible, you open your doorways to a massive, often unnoticed, client base. A business that is easy to navigate for everyone, including parents with strollers, the elderly, or a person with a temporary injury, can significantly increase foot traffic and revenue.

• Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image: 

In today’s market, buyers are more likely to support organizations that show social responsibility and inclusivity. Investing in an accessible office lease shows that you care about your society, and are dedicated to serving everyone. This positive brand image can cause strong consumer loyalty, wonderful word-of-mouth marketing, and a reputation as a forward-thinking company. A study by Accenture discovered that corporations that prioritize disability inclusion are twice as valuable as their competitors.

• Legal Protection: 

ADA lawsuits are a serious and costly threat. If you don’t follow the rules, you could have to pay a lot of money in legal expenses, fines, and damage to your reputation. Choosing a business facility that meets ADA standards ahead of time is not only the best thing to do, but it also protects your firm from possible legal problems. The cost of a lawsuit can be much higher than the cost of making sure your area is accessible from the start. If you break the ADA for the first time, the Department of Justice can fine you up to $75,000. If you do it again, they can fine you up to $150,000

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: 

An office environment that is open to everyone is also good for your employees. It opens up a wider range of possible employees, letting you hire people with impairments who are qualified. Also, a workplace that is easy to access and comfortable for all employees encourages a more welcoming and helpful culture, which boosts morale and retains employees.

Your Checklist for an Accessible Office Lease

When you are ready to search for your new workspace, here is a short checklist to help you evaluate potential locations for an ADA business space:

1. Exterior:
   Does the building have clearly marked accessible parking, and is there a barrier-free path from the parking lot to the doorway?
2. Entrance:
   Is it easy to get to the main entrance? Are the doors broad enough, and are there ramps if needed?
3. Interior:
   Are hallways and aisles broad and free of obstacles? Is there a lift or elevator for a multistory building?
4. Key Areas:
   Are the bathrooms and shared spaces like break rooms and kitchens easy to access? Are there signs with Braille and elevated letters?
5. Your Leased Space:
   Is your leased unit already accessible, or can it be easily modified? Talk to the property management about who is in charge of certain changes.

Expert Tip

When you visit a space you might like to rent, don’t only search for ramps and facilities that are easy to access. Think about the path from the door to your office as well. Is it free of things that get in the way? Is it easy to read the signs? Is it easy for someone with a mobility device to get around in this setup?

At Bonan Towers, we are committed to presenting an inclusive office space that helps the growth of your business. Our offices are designed to be a welcoming and handy home for absolutely everyone, assisting you in expanding your customer base and building a reputation you can be happy with. Contact us now to explore our ADA business area for rent options in Chesterfield, MO.