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Commissioners discuss ways to put Exploration Tower to public or private use; building layout and tenant financial capacity cited as hurdles
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed potential public uses or leasing of the Exploration Tower but noted the buildinghas a unique floor plan that complicates typical office tenancy and that the port has been marketing the space with limited success.
Commissioners debated options to increase public or commercial use of the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral, but staff flagged design constraints and tenant-credit requirements as primary obstacles to immediate reuse.
Commissioner Lloyd raised the question of greater community access and suggested using the tower for Chamber of Commerce luncheons, launch viewing events or periodic public openings. He said the structure is a visible asset and urged a more proactive effort to put it into use.
Port staff and directors responded that the towerhas an unusual floor plan, with a central elevator and floor plates that decrease in size at higher levels and limited restroom provision on some floors, making it inefficient for standard office tenants. Staff said those design features narrow market interest and make single-tenant occupancy the most viable long-term option.
Port staff said the tower has been marketed statewide and several real-estate showings and broker visits occurred; one financially qualified tenant previously expressed interest but is engaged in other negotiations at present. Staff also said some event uses are pursued selectively but that large crowd events can conflict with port operations and require careful restrictions.
Pricing and terms: Mark Millison, First District Director, said port marketing had been using a modified-gross asking rate of $35 per square foot, with tenants responsible for utilities and janitorial costs; staff said they have been willing to consider reductions from that initial asking rate in negotiations.
Space industry interest: Commissioners asked whether any space contractors had expressed interest in permanently using the tower. Staff said no commercial space contractor had a viable offer at this time.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to be more proactive in marketing the tower for limited community event use and to evaluate options such as lower rates or single-tenant leasing that would at minimum recover utilities and operating expenses. Staff said they will continue negotiations with interested parties and review event-use policies to avoid operational conflicts.
