In September 2022, Barzel Properties acquired the Sompo property, aligning with the company's strategic investment plans in the vicinity of Paulista due to its central location in São Paulo and robust infrastructure of services, commerce, and transportation. During this period, the REsource team had an insightful conversation with Bruno Turaça, Director of Portfolio at Barzel, and Gustavo de Melo, responsible for corporate real estate acquisitions, who had already outlined their plans for modernizing this asset.

Spanning over 9,000 square meters of private area, this commercial building has recently undergone a transformation by Barzel, completing a comprehensive retrofit project in the common areas to enhance the well-being of visitors and add value to the asset. According to Fernanda Raia, Project Manager at Barzel, it was a significant improvement in flow and modernization of the property, in a project that took five months to complete.

The entrance hall was redesigned to optimize circulation, featuring a drop-off area for vehicles and a marquee on the facade, complemented by carefully planned landscaping. "We initiated the project by considering the building's internal flow, aiming to modernize while improving visitor movement. This approach aligns with what we typically do for all our assets", said Raia.

"Previously, there was a small area with an isolated café and the elevator hall was smaller, often accumulating people there. We renovated the lobby entirely to improve this flow and the main entrance, which was opened with a grand staircase, and added a car flow with a drop-off, which was previously non-existent. We added an imposing marquee, providing shelter and a modern touch", she added.

Barzel endeavored to preserve the building's distinct identity, which is already well-known in the vicinity. The feedback from the visitors and the neighborhood was positive about the change. "We received compliments, including from the residents nearby, and now the expectation is to attract new tenants."

In addition to these alterations, a separate road service was established for increased security, and additional parking spaces were introduced in the garage.

The Sompo property was originally developed by Sompo Seguros and was delivered in 1995. Currently, it's nearly fully leased, with major tenants being the insurance company itself and the Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul. Situated on Cubatão street, two blocks away from the continuation of Paulista and Bernardino de Campos avenues, the building provides easy access for tenants via 23 de Maio Avenue, Paraíso Metro Station on the Blue Line, and various bus routes. The surrounding area offers diverse leisure options, including Shopping Pátio Paulista, Casa das Rosas, Japan House, Sesc Paulista, and more. 

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