In 2017, CitySpaces was engaged by four non-profit organizations in Nelson, BC, that were interested in exploring the feasibility of developing a new co-location facility. Non-profit organizations throughout North America are increasingly looking at the co-location of facilities, which offers a range of potential benefits. One benefit of co-location is reduced expenses for shared space, in which non-profits can share the costs of common areas like kitchens, reception areas, and conference rooms. Co-location can also offer savings by sharing office equipment and other backend office services, maintenance, building fees, and in some cases even shared administrative staff. Co-location can also create opportunities for non-profit organizations in the same field to collaborate for a greater impact.
Co-location of the four Nelson-based non-profit organizations—which offer complementary non-profit social service agencies and whose clients often utilize the services of some or all of these agencies—could have significant benefits to clients, staff, and the community. To consider this opportunity, the non-profit organizations needed a better understanding of how a new co-location facility could be developed and the cost implications. CitySpaces conducted a feasibility study that involved a review and evaluation of potential sites, identified potential development concepts, and provided a high-level financial analysis with potential capital costs. The analysis included several scenarios, including the construction of a new purpose-built co-location facility and the renovation of an existing building. The analysis also included a review of potential development risks and alternative approaches.
As the non-profit organizations consider opportunities for the co-location of their facilities, the feasibility study provides them with an objective, unbiased analysis of the costs and risks associated with the project to help them make decisions and inform next steps.
PROJECT TEAM:
Jim Beaudreau Jada Basi