As the AI revolution accelerates, startups and tech companies are seeking fast, flexible solutions for physical space, places where they can plug in and immediately begin building the future. Enter spec suites, thoughtfully pre-built office spaces that eliminate the delays and costs associated with traditional buildouts.
At Bakery Square, Strada and Walnut Capital are collaborating to meet this demand by delivering a collection of spec suites inside Bakery Office 3, situated right along AI Avenue, the growing hub of AI and tech activity in Pittsburgh.
What Are Spec Suites?
Spec suites are move-in-ready office spaces, typically ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet, designed, and constructed by the landlord before a tenant is secured. These spaces are built with broad appeal, neutral finishes, and flexible layouts that allow easy personalization for a variety of companies.
At Bakery Square, these suites come fully furnished, featuring:
- Glass-walled conference rooms and offices (Several of the offices are wired to function as conference rooms if additional meeting spaces is needed)
- Open floor plans with exposed ceilings for a modern, spacious feel
- Custom Pittsburgh-themed murals
- Opportunities for tenants to incorporate their own branding and reconfigure spaces to meet their personalized needs
The result? A workplace that is plug-and-play ready but still customizable.
Benefits for AI Startups and Tech Tenants
Speed matters for AI companies, whether they’re working on a product launch or scaling a new team. Spec suites offer a unique advantage:
- Faster occupancy (move in within 30-60 days)
- Lower upfront costs
- Reduced complexity (no months-long design and permitting process)
- Lower risk, which is perfect for startups uncertain about long-term growth needs
From a 2,000 sq. ft. space (ideal for teams of 5–15) to a 5,000 sq. ft. suite for 50-person satellite offices, spec suites provide room to grow, adapt, and pivot as companies evolve.
In fact, one of the suites has already proven its adaptability by accommodating a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) with space for a potential second being installed in the future.
Why Landlords Love Spec Suites
It’s not just tenants who benefit. For landlords, spec suites offer:
- Faster lease-up Tenants can see themselves in the spaces, and lease negotiations are faster without the need for a tenant improvement allowance
- Reduced vacancy
- Higher marketability for available space
- Premium lease rates due to move-in-ready convenience
- A way to showcase potential by giving prospects a built-out vision of what’s possible
A Proven Model
To date, Strada has designed seven spec suites at Bakery Office 3 ranging from 3,700 to 6,000 of rentable square footage. These spaces are quickly being leased by AI startups and growing tech companies that want to move fast and want to be located at the heart of Pittsburgh’s innovation district.
As AI continues to redefine industries, having a ready-to-go home base on AI Avenue can make all the difference. And for companies looking to leap ahead, spec suites are a smart, strategic launchpad.
Innovation doesn’t wait. Now, it doesn’t have to.
