Owen Thomas, chairman and CEO of BXP (NYSE: BXP), sat down for a video interview during Nareit’s REITweek: 2025 Investor Conference in New York City June 2-5.
Thomas discussed strategies to bring employees back to physical office spaces. He emphasized the importance of high-quality buildings in prime locations, particularly those near transit, to enhance employee experience and convenience. Amenities like food options, fitness centers, and shared meeting facilities are also key incentives. Thomas noted that companies are favoring positive experiences over mandates to encourage return-to-office behavior.
He also highlighted BXP’s major upcoming project: a 950,000-square-foot office development at 343 Madison in Midtown Manhattan, one of the strongest office markets in the U.S. The building will offer direct access to Grand Central Station and is expected to attract significant tenant interest.
Meanwhile, Thomas discussed BXP's strong financial positioning, citing a BBB flat credit rating and over $4 billion in recent refinancings. The company maintains conservative leverage and robust access to both public and private capital markets, he said.