With flexible work schedules now the norm, today’s modern office buildings must justify the commute.
According to the Flex Index Q1 2026 report, a quarterly workplace trends report, 67 percent of U.S. companies now use a hybrid model. Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2026 also underscores a shift in employee priorities, with nearly half of employees (46 percent) noting that wellness amenities matter more than high-tech features in the office.
To explore how these trends play out locally in leading commercial real estate markets, REBusinessOnline talked to Bill Baumgardner, who leads VanTrust’s Texas office as executive vice president and Guy Grivas, vice president of Hillwood’s retail division.
Those priorities are on display at Frisco Station, where VanTrust, Hillwood and The Rudman Partnership are developing a 242-acre mixed-use destination in Frisco’s North Platinum Corridor, about 30 minutes north of Dallas. Centered around The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters, the development brings together Class A office space, a mix of residential options and modern hotels — all within walking distance of dining, shopping and entertainment options — creating a seamless, experience-driven workday.
REBusinessOnline: What are the top priorities for today’s employers when selecting an office building?
Bill Baumgardner : To succeed, today’s workplace has to be about more than just work. It needs to revolve around how people live, connect and recharge. To meet that demand, employers are prioritizing convenient parking and walkable locations with housing, hotels, dining options and parks all immediately nearby.
Inside the building, flexibility and experience matter most. Tenants want a range of spaces, from collaborative meeting rooms to quieter areas for focus, along with amenities like kitchens, fitness rooms and gaming areas that include pool tables or golf simulators. In addition, seamless conveniences like drop-off food delivery or grab-and-go options are expected in today’s workplace. Ultimately, companies are using their workplaces as tools to attract talent and also give employees a reason to stay.”
REBO: What types of retail are most popular with office users?
Guy Grivas: Food and beverage (F&B) continues to lead the way, with particular interest in offering options across a range of price points. Employers want environments where everyone, from executives to entry-level employees, can find something that fits into their day without leaving the district.
We also see growing demand for experiential and wellness-oriented concepts. Our goal is to create a balanced mix of retail and amenities that not only supports office tenants but also contributes to a district that is vibrant and active throughout the day and into the evening.
REBO: Which amenities within the office component of Frisco Station reflect current demand?
BB: Office developments today are increasingly part of vibrant, mixed-use communities where people can live, work and spend all their time in one place, with housing, strong infrastructure, nearby retail and access to quality schools.
Just as important is the continued shift toward wellness- and experience-driven amenities that support employee satisfaction and retention. When people enjoy where they work, they are far more likely to want to be there and stay long term. At Offices Three, the newest building to be delivered within Frisco Station, that translates to flexible design, tenant lounges, outdoor spaces that help offer a change of pace, convenient parking and easy food delivery options.
REBO: What retail concepts are you currently considering for Frisco Station?
GG: Our focus is on enhancing the daily experience for both office users and residents. We’re curating a mix of F&B options, from quick, high-quality offerings for the workday to dining concepts that create memorable experiences.
In addition to F&B, health and wellness are also key. We are exploring boutique fitness, recovery concepts and other wellness services to meet the needs of a modern workforce.
REBO: Which trends are now falling out of favor?
BB: Concierge services and outdoor courts are becoming less of a priority for today’s tenants, as companies shift toward amenities that see daily use and directly support employee experience, convenience and retention.
REBO: How important is collaboration to successful development?
BB: VanTrust, Hillwood and The Rudman Partnership each bring unbelievable skills and experience to the table. By collaborating collective knowledge and playing off each other’s roles, the result drives Frisco Station to being a world class mixed-use development.
REBO: What trends do you expect to see in mixed-use developments over the next year?
BB: The trend will continue to be the move toward quality. By listening to tenants, we will be able to match the development’s needs with the right product. The focus on product includes hospitality, urban living, office and retail.
GG: We expect to see a continued shift toward more intentional, experience-driven environments with a greater emphasis on creating a true sense of place, being more deliberate about design, convenience and thoughtfully programmed uses that support how people balance work and life.
Importantly, “experience-driven” doesn’t mean entertainment-focused, but rather the quality of the experience. That includes how people move through a space, how they interact with one another and how the architecture and public realm create opportunities for connection. When those elements come together, the environment feels more intuitive, engaging and ultimately more human.