Something you learn when you’ve been in commercial real estate as long as we have is that design decisions are never arbitrary. If millions of dollars over decades of construction are going into the HVAC systems of the buildings we develop, then it is in our best interest to constantly interrogate why we do things and always be on the lookout for a better way. One particular technique we have settled on—not just for our retail centers but for 75 Executive Park as well—is to always place our air-conditioning units on the roof. Here’s why.

Even with large square footage buildings, space is always at a premium. Whether we’re developing office spaces, retail centers, or industrial facilities, tenants want as much room as we can give them. By placing AC units on the roof, we free up valuable ground-level real estate that can be used for additional parking, landscaping, and, in some cases, expanded building footprints. You, as a business owner, have ideas for every square foot of your workspace, and making concessions for utilities doesn’t just limit what your business can do now but what it can become in the future.

Conroe is no criminal hotbed—quite the opposite, in fact—but the truth remains that wherever you live, ground-level AC units are more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and accidental damage. Rooftop placement, however, significantly reduces all of these risks. Elevated AC units are less accessible to unauthorized individuals, reducing the likelihood of tampering or theft. This not only safeguards the equipment itself but also mitigates the risk of costly repairs or replacements. Moreover, by keeping potentially hazardous equipment out of high-traffic areas, we minimize liability concerns—an essential consideration in today’s increasingly litigious environment.

As most real estate agents will tell you, first impressions are crucial when showing a property, and ground-level AC units, even the nice ones, are unsightly and detract from the property’s so-called curb appeal. By installing these units on the roof, we maintain a clean, professional appearance that enhances the visual appeal of our developments. This is especially important for retail centers like Teas Ridge Retail II and Executive Retail, where the overall look of a property is just as important in attracting customers as the tenant’s products and services.

I could go on. Rooftop AC units often allow for more efficient air distribution throughout the building. They are easier to maintain. Their runoff can be tied into the drains and downspouts. The pros so outweigh the cons that Infinity Texas Development has committed to this one simple rule: we always put the AC on the roof.

If you found this blog at all interesting, good, because it’s the first in a series on the design philosophy that makes Infinity Texas the ideal partner in commercial real estate. In our next blog, we’ll discuss storm drains. I promise it’s much more interesting than it sounds.