Davenport University

It's shared knowledge that Davenport University is growing - big time.

Not too long ago the university sold its downtown East Fulton Street campus and moved its students, its faculty, and many of its staff to a new, sprawling Caledonia-based campus, accommodating more university programs, more athletic programs, more faculty members, students, and staff.

Many of the school's administrators, however, were in need of new space as well.

Jim Becsy, Davenport University's vice president for facilities management, approached First Companies, through Colliers International, about leasing a prominent Broadmoor location and found that it would be more than sufficient for the University's needs.

"Leasing each of these eight suites allows our administrative departments to have their own individual spaces," explained Jim Becsy. "We cam from a location that isolated our employees into separate buildings, which meant we could go weeks without seeing our fellow colleagues. These new spaces, however, ensure privacy is readily available when we need it, but also allow for collaboration and cooperation when necessary. Essentially, it creates a kinship between each of our administrative departments that was previously lacking."

First Companies managed Davenport University's signing of a long-term lease in March 2010. First Companies was responsible for making minor construction changes to the suites and now acts as Davenport University's property management firm within the space. The leased space, approximately 34,589 square feet, now houses the University's IT Department, Registrar, Call Center, Human Resources Department, and Accounting Department.

"We have found First Companies to be extremely responsive and more than accommodating," noted Jim Becsy. "Our contractual needs, our renovation needs, and our property needs have all been exceeded. First Companies has been very present and very helpful."