The base building delivered without interior fit-out — structure, exterior, MEP risers, lobby.

  • The base building delivered without interior fit-out — structure, exterior, MEP risers, lobby.
  • A landlord delivers core-and-shell; the tenant builds the interior.

Core and shell

Construction · US

Short definition

The base building delivered without interior fit-out">fit-out — structure, exterior, MEP risers, lobby.

Full definition

A landlord delivers core-and-shell; the tenant builds the interior. The opposite extreme is a fully-fitted suite. Most US Class A is delivered core-and-shell with a TI allowance to fund tenant interior construction. UK markets typically deliver Cat A (see Cat A).

Why this matters for Class A leasing

Core and shell is part of the construction vocabulary that institutional Class A occupiers, landlords, and advisers use across US markets. Understanding it correctly affects how you read lease documents, model occupancy economics, and benchmark deal terms across cities. Class A Atlas tracks the US definition alongside the global standard so cross-border occupiers can translate quickly.

See also

Related guides

Related topics

  • Fit-out Capex — How to budget, sequence, and govern Class A office fit-out capex.
  • US TIA Strategy — How to negotiate, draw down, and account for US tenant improvement allowances (TIA).