Wednesday, June 16, 1999
Delta may have to build center
BY AMY HIGGINS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
If Delta Air Lines wants more space and free parking for its 1,000 employees who now work at its downtown Cincinnati reservations call center, it likely will be forced to build.
One of the spots it could land, a local real estate analyst says, is in Northern Kentucky.
|
WHAT DELTA WANTS
|
In a public document obtained by The Cincinnati Enquirer, here is a list of what Delta Air Lines wants in a new home for its 1,000-employee reservations call center:
• Office space that measures about 60,000 square feet.
• Free parking with a minimum of 10 spaces per 1,000 square feet of rented space at no charge.
• A 10-year lease with renewal options.
• To move in by July 1, 2000.
The company provided a copy of its “request for proposal” to economic development officials in Cincinnati City Hall. The document was obtained through an Ohio public records request.
|
Last month, a Delta official told Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls the company's spot in the Atrium I building no longer works. Delta executives are working with a real estate company to find a new — and cheaper — office.
But experts said Tuesday that what Delta is looking for cannot be found in an existing building or complex.
“There just aren't many existing buildings that can ac commodate that kind of requirement,” said Jeff Carey, senior vice president at Cincinnati Commercial Realtors. “It necessitates building to suit.” Delta's needs.
Mr. Carey said call centers like Delta's — which fields reservations calls from around the country — are more typically found in areas outside of downtowns.
Todd A. Ward, the Ohio governor's economic development representative for Southwest Ohio, confirmed Tuesday that his office has been talking to Delta to ensure the airline keeps the 1,000 call center jobs in the state.
Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton is said to be involved in coaxing Delta across the Ohio River. His office did not return calls to The Cincinnati Enquirer Tuesday.
Outside of incentives Ohio and Cincinnati may offer, Mr. Carey predicted Delta would be more likely to go to Kentucky, partly because it may be more convenient for employees.
Prospects rumored to be in the running include areas around Thomas More College and land at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, where Delta has a hub.
Local Delta officials could not be reached for comment.
Airport spokesman Ted Bushelman confirmed Tuesday that Delta officials have made inquiries about leasing land from the airport board. Talks, he said, were preliminary.
“We feel like we're one of a number” of options for Delta,Mr. Bushelman said.
Delta may have to build center
GE cleaning up in Paris
Brewery plans fiscal rehab
TRISTATE BUSINESS SUMMARY
INDUSTRY NOTES: MEDIA & MARKETING
TRISTATE MARKET SPOTLIGHT
Government 'light hand' working fine, Gates says
