Why Class B Offices Are Getting a Second Life
How strategic upgrades, tenant demand, and value-driven decisions are reshaping the office market
By Chris Rohrer, Broker & Pete Kostroski, Broker | Rokos Advisors
For years, Class B office buildings were overshadowed by flashy new Class A developments. But across the Twin Cities, that narrative is changing. As tenants rethink how they use space and prioritize value over excess, Class B offices are seeing renewed demand — and in many cases, a full reinvention.
This shift isn’t just about settling for less. It’s about smarter use of capital, better alignment with business needs, and a growing appreciation for well-located, thoughtfully updated buildings that deliver performance without the Class A price tag.
What’s Driving the Revival
Today’s tenants are far more strategic than they were pre-pandemic. Companies are focused on efficiency, employee experience, and long-term flexibility — not oversized footprints or luxury for luxury’s sake. That shift is putting Class B properties in a new spotlight.
Many of these buildings sit in prime locations with strong access to highways, transit, residential neighborhoods, and retail amenities. When those locations are paired with modern upgrades, the value proposition becomes hard to ignore. At the same time, rising construction costs and elevated Class A rents are forcing tenants to weigh every dollar more carefully. For many, Class B provides the best balance of cost, location, and functionality.
A New Standard for Class B Space
The Class B buildings gaining traction today are not the outdated offices of the past. Landlords are investing in targeted renovations that make a real impact without overbuilding.
Updated lobbies, modern common areas, refreshed suites, improved HVAC systems, and upgraded parking are becoming the norm. Tenants want to walk into space that feels professional, current, and aligned with the wat teams work now — and many Class B buildings are delivering exactly that. It’s also common to see flexible layout options, move-in-ready suites, and shorter lease commitments that appeal to both growing and right-sizing companies.
Twin Cities Class B Buildings Getting a Second Life
3701 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis
Originally a dated mid-century office building, this property was revitalized through a modern repositioning effort that brought new life to its common areas, branding, and tenant experience. The refresh attracted new users and demonstrated that strategic updates — not full redevelopments — can make Class B assets relevant again.
Metropoint Tower, St. Louis Park
Although built in the 1970s, Metropoint continues to perform as a high-demand suburban option. Consistent upgrades over the years, strong ownership, and proximity to amenity-rich corridors have helped it maintain relevance while many older buildings struggle. It’s a clear example of how location and reinvestment can extend the life — and value — of Class B inventory.
Wentworth Center, West St. Paul
This suburban Class B building has seen renewed momentum thanks to steady management, cosmetic improvements, and its prime community-centric location. Its success shows that not every Class B comeback requires a dramatic overhaul — sometimes accessibility, branding, and functional upgrades are enough to drive leasing activity.
Why Tenants Are Leaning In
From a tenant’s perspective, the appeal is practical and strategic. Class B spaces allow businesses to secure quality office environments while keeping occupancy costs under control. That frees up capital for hiring, technology, expansion, or reinvestment back into core operations.
These buildings also tend to offer greater flexibility in negotiations. Landlords are often more open to creative deal structures, tenant improvement allowances, and concession packages — something that has real financial impact over the life of a lease. For companies navigating hybrid work models, Class B offices also offer a way to right-size without sacrificing professionalism or location.
A Smart Play for the Right Users
Not every business needs a downtown trophy tower. For many professional services firms, regional offices, medical users, and growing teams, Class B space checks every operational box while maintaining budget discipline.
As office demand stabilizes and the market recalibrates, Class B properties that are well-managed and strategically upgraded are proving they’re not just surviving — they’re competing.
Class B offices are no longer defined by what they lack. Instead, they’re being redefined by what they offer: value, flexibility, location, and smart modernization. For Twin Cities tenants focused on long-term strategy rather than status, these buildings represent some of today’s most compelling office opportunities.
Thinking about how today’s office shifts could impact your next move? Connect with Rokos Advisors to build a strategy that aligns with how your team actually works.
Rokos Advisors is an award-winning Minneapolis - St. Paul based commercial real estate/tenant representation firm specializing in helping businesses find the perfect office or industrial space for their company.