We are asked this question, about living in a retail space for lease, quite often, so perhaps we need to write an article about it. We are the Fort Worth Design District, leading the way in the Fort Worth area with unique and creative commercial and industrial space for lease. Call us at 817-439-3224 for more information.
So, should you pack up your bags and prepare to move into that retail space for rent you are renting?
Pay attention to the zoning for any retail space for lease.
The attraction of living in a shop for rent is obvious: you are only paying one rental fee for both a business and a domicile, and during tough economic times, saving a full rent monthly is a very attractive consideration.
The answer to the title question really boils down to zoning. There are many cities in the U.S. which are zoned for residential and retail activities . . . or many counties . . . or many sections of cities . . . and there are some which strictly prohibit such habitation. Our strongest recommendation, if you are considering this type of arrangement, is to make sure not only the area is zoned for living quarters, but that the leasing company of the retail space allows it. If you manage to pass through all of that unscathed and still able to rent in such a way, ask yourself the next question below.
Do you really want to live in a retail space for lease?
We certainly understand the economic benefits of living and working in the same space, and if that is economically necessary then step up your search.
However, if it is not a necessity, we believe you need to ask this question: do you really want to do that? There are great advantages to keeping your personal life, and your business life, separate. Many a business owner has suffered burnout by not being able to step away from their business and enjoy a private life completely detached from the business. And suffering burnout, as a business owner, will eventually affect your bottom line.
The best of both worlds.
Perhaps, however, you can have the best of both worlds. At Fort Worth Design District, in one of our business parks called Box Office Warehouse Suites, we offer retail space for lease on the ground floor, and a relaxing loft upstairs, giving the business owners a chance to step away from the business, literally and figuratively, for a time, fire up the barbecue on the upper deck, listen to some relaxing tunes, or have a cold one after work. Those upper units are not zoned for living quarters, but other than sleeping there, all other activities separate from business can be done in them.
Are you still paying two rents, for living and working? Most definitely, but it at the very least gives our clients a chance to “get away” from their businesses, for a time, and recharge their personal batteries.
Just something to think about as you chew on your own dilemma.
A final word about the Fort Worth Design District.
The Fort Worth Design District is actually three business parks: Box Office Warehouse Suites, Paddock Place Office Suites, and the Golden Triangle Business Park. Call us no matter what you need in commercial or industrial space for rent . . .a warehouse for rent, shop for rent, office for rent . . . we have it all at prices you can afford.
