“Pittsburgh-based RIDC…is seeing a new type of property emerge in its core Pennsylvania markets: high-amenity flexible office-industrial space,” says Samantha Rowan in her recent article for Real Estate Finance & Investment Magazine.

“The company, which works with a number of robotics-focused companies that include Carnegie Robotics, is seeing strong tenant demand for bicycle-friendly spaces with high-end coffee bars, skylights, and roof decks – plus the ability to drive in a car, truck, backhoe or harvester.

“’These tenants need space to drive in vehicles and adjust sensors, software, and other parts of the equipment. They need space that’s the same as office space but with high ceilings, convenient access doors, and wifi everywhere,’” said RIDC President Donald Smith. “’When we’re designing these spaces, we pay a lot of attention to natural light and creature comforts so that people can relax between bursts of inspiration.’”

To read the article in full (paywall): Pittsburgh Developer Taps into Emerging Flex-Industrial Sector