FAQ

 
Why are your lease rates so reasonable?
It’s our mission: To provide small business owners professional office space at a premier location at an affordable price. We keep our expenses low and pass the savings on to you. For example, most of our competitors have big expenses such as a full-time receptionist just to tell you someone is there to see you. We use a keypad with a direct-dial to your office and save the expense of a full-time receptionist. That savings is then passed on to you.
 
How can I get a discount?
You can qualify for a discount in several ways: First, when you pay on or before the 1st of the month, we waive the Utility and Common Area charge. Next, if you plan to lease multiple offices or can pay a quarter or more in advance, talk to us about a potential discount.
 
Can I barter with you? e.g. do work in my industry in exchange for rent?
No, we do not barter. However, we will consider you for a needed service. So, please make sure we know what you do.
 
Are the offices private or shared?
They are private offices not shared unless you choose to share with a member of your own staff.
 
What floor are the offices on?
The offices are on the 2nd Floor and the 11th Floor. Our retail shopping space is on the “street level” so patrons can access the retail shops off Charles St.
 
Can I pay by credit card?
No, we accept money order, cashier’s check or personal check.
 
Can I do a short-term lease?
Yes, we will do a short-term lease at a slightly higer rate paid quarterly in advance.
 
I understand you sometimes sell the units. Do you hold the mortgage or do I need to get a private or bank loan?
We can do either. If a unit comes up for sale, you can pay cash, get a loan on your own or ask us to hold the paper. Our willingness to finance the purchase will depend on your history with us and/or credit. We may ask for a higher downpayment to make it a win/win.
 
Why would you sell a unit?
This actually helps us. The sold units have typically gone to existing tenants with long-term tenancy in the Belvedere. When new prospective tenants see this stability, it makes it easier for us to lease our open units.
 
Who pays for electric and other utilities?
There is a standard fee of $69 per month that covers all utilities, conference room usage, 24/7 lobby attendant, mailbox, bathroom maintenance and so on.
 
Do you have internet service?
Yes, there is service available at an additional charge.
 
How does parking work, prices?
Parking is free for 2 hours at a time on Calvert Street, St. Paul Street and Gilford Avenue. Frankly, if your’re creative parking is free. And, there is plenty of contract parking on site and close to the Belvedere. Many choose to use the public transportation which is a close walk from the office location and avoid the parking issue altogether. Should you need parking, however, you can obtain contract parking or use one of the daily parking facilities close by as needed.
 
Is access to my office limited?
You can access your office 24/7/365.
 
Do you have furnished or unfurnished units?
We have both but most are unfurnished as we have found many people have their own furniture.
 
How do I reserve the conference room?
There is a reservation system for the conference room use. Simply check availability and reserve the time you need.
 
Is there a cost for the conference room?
There is no cost for the conference room.
 
For big events, is there a cost to use the ballroom for seminars or other events?
There is a charge for use of the ballroom as we do not own that facility. Each event is priced separately by Truffel’s depending on the time, food and accomodations needed.
 
How long are the leases?
Most leases are 18 months or longer as this qualifies for a discount. But, we have had tenants for over 10 years and as short as 3 months.
 
How is security at the building?
Very good. The lobby is staffed with an attendant 24/7 and many folks live in a residential condominium within the Belvedere. These permanent residents have a vested interest in keeping the Belvedere safe.
 
Who are your typical tenants?
Most are entreprenuers and the industries vary. For example, at any given time we can have insurance agents, CPA’s, contractors, lawyers, real estate professionals, consultants, artists and the list goes on. Basically, anyone who needs a professional office at a great price could benefit.
 
Where are the bathrooms?
They are on the same floor as the office units.
 
Who cleans the units, bathrooms and common space?
The bathrooms, hallways, conference rooms and other common space are cleaned by the Belvedere staff. Individual units are cared for by the tenants.
 
How big are the units?
We have multiple sizes but most units are 100-350 square feet. This would be a 10×10 up to a 15×25.
 
Where does my mail go?
Each tenant has their own mailbox with a Belvedere address and specific suite mailbox number. The mailboxes are located on the 1st floor lobby.
 
What is the application process?
Click on the “next steps” button and complete the short information form. We would then would meet you at the Belvedere for an in person tour and have you pick out an office and complete the application.