The power of Brand Story: Columbia Property Trust

As a publicly traded REIT managing over six million square feet of Class-A office space in prime markets like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., Columbia Property Trust (CXP) faced a critical inflection point. The pandemic had accelerated workplace evolution, fundamentally altering tenant expectations. CXP needed a compelling brand narrative that would showcase their unique ability to elevate the modern workspace experience beyond traditional landlord-tenant relationships.

Approach

Our strategic process included comprehensive stakeholder interviews, competitive analysis, and a virtual Brand Story Workshop that united Columbia employees from across the country. This collaborative exploration revealed Columbia’s distinctive value proposition in a rapidly changing market.

Solution

We developed a powerful brand narrative centered on the concept of “Storied Properties for Legendary Companies.” This positioning recognized that for Columbia’s innovative tenants, office space transcends mere real estate—it becomes the foundation where company culture thrives, creativity flourishes, and organizational legends are born.

The refreshed brand story emphasized Columbia’s commitment to creating exceptional environments where the world’s most groundbreaking companies can foster collaboration, nurture talent, and achieve their visions. By focusing on sustainability and employee wellbeing, Columbia positioned itself not just as a property owner but as a partner in tenant success.

Results

The revitalized brand positioning contributed to Columbia Property Trust’s remarkable market success. In September 2021, the company announced its acquisition by PIMCO for $3.9 billion—representing a premium of approximately 27% over their share price.