City University of Seattle in Bulgaria
20.04.2010

Brief

The City University of Seattle in Bulgaria was looking to complement its campus (which is located 60km from Sofia) with an academic facility in the Bulgarian capital. Their original target was a 400-500 sqm building with mainly open space to suit their academic use, and preferably at a below-market rental rate to fit in with the university’s rigid budget. In terms of location, they favored southern or eastern metropolitan Sofia. Shortly after a deal collapsed, the university turned to Forton International, and with only four months left until the beginning of the spring semester.

Solution

Facing short deadlines, Forton’s Office Space team was quick to identify the client’s key requirements, separate the “musts” from the “nice-to-haves” and make sure it materialized the client’s vision for the premises. Out of three options matching the criteria, City University selected the premises at 103 Cherni Vrah Blvd., despite its floor space of 688 sqm exceeding the pre-set limit of 500 sqm.
During talks with the landlord, Forton highlighted the prestige and long-term commitment aspects of having a university in its building. The landlord’s responsiveness helped achieve an optimum price, VAT exclusive (for academic institutions there is no VAT registration). Prior to signing the lease agreement, Forton consulted the university in regard to the important clauses included in the draft document. It pointed out the various bonuses they could expect – and now enjoy - from the landlord.

Conclusion

City University moved into its Sofia premises in January 2010. The building is in the same proximity to central Sofia as the city’s ring road. This benefits the staff, students and guests who can avoid congested traffic and focus on academic activities. The combination of open and compartmentalized space makes the premise suitable for its double purpose – for holding classes and for housing administration.

Contacts:

Vladislav Kayzerov – vkayzerov@forton.bg