What does the term "useable area" refer to in a commercial property context?

The term "useable area" in a commercial property context specifically refers to the measured area of an office, store, or building common area that is available for tenants or users to occupy and use for their intended purposes. This includes all the spaces within the confines of walls that can be utilized for conducting business activities or services, excluding any shared or common spaces such as hallways, restrooms, or structural components that are not part of the tenant's exclusive use.

In contrast, the entire footprint of the building covers more than just the useable space, as it encompasses the overall area including external features, while employee parking and maintenance areas are not classified as part of the useable area. Thus, the focus on spaces directly usable by tenants distinguishes this definition and highlights its significance in commercial real estate negotiations, leases, and space planning.