A labor movement stemming from DC

Aligned with the AFL-CIO, Solidarity Center believes that all workers have the right to a decent paycheck and benefits, a safe job, respect, and fair treatment. For the last 20 years, they have partnered with more than 40 organizations to improve the lives of workers in 60 countries. Darcy Wertz, Director of Operations, recently went on a mission to find new office space for Solidarity Center, a space that would enhance the work environment for their own team. It's only natural that his approach was so driven by supporting their workforce, a mission already close to their heart.

With their lease about to expire, Solidarity Center engaged JLL to help in the search for a new office space because of the team's deep understanding of how nonprofits operate. As a nonprofit with unique real estate needs and requirements, Solidarity Center wanted to stay close to its parent organization, the AFL-CIO and maintain Metro accessibility.

Given the unpredictability of grant funding, Solidarity Center needed their lease to include appropriate contraction and expansion rights. Chris Bynum and Tucker Farman from JLL’s Nonprofit and Association Practice Group worked with Darcy and his team to gauge the organization's wants and needs through:

• A staff-wide survey
• Budget evaluation
• Market-wide search
• Financial and qualitative analysis
  

Chris and Tucker helped Solidarity Center find exactly what they were looking for, negotiated favorable lease terms and engaged a design firm and construction company early in the project to ensure its success. As a bonus, Chris and Tucker also negotiated a significant tenant improvement allowance to cover the office build out and design costs.

Solidarity Center relocated to a building owned by a union pension plan at 1130 Connecticut Avenue, an alignment that affirms its mission and affiliation with the AFL-CIO. The building owner made several upgrades as part of the deal, including a fitness center, bike room, and conference facility. Solidarity Center also received discounted furniture pricing through JLL’s Synergy program, leveraging JLL's considerable buying power and global platform to guarantee the lowest possible costs while meeting the highest service standards.

The new space has improved the workplace culture immensely by encouraging collaboration and employee productivity and efficiency. Each morning, they enter the bright and inviting space with energy and pride. Consistent with its mission to treat everyone with dignity and respect, the new location provides nearly every employee with individual offices and the space to do their best work.