Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, The Edge is an entrepreneurial cooperative between The University of Alabama, the City of Tuscaloosa, and the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. The facility serves multiple purposes, including office space, meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, student areas, a catering kitchen, and event spaces for business functions. Accessible 24/7 to its tenants and members, the building features offices, conference rooms, a coffee area, a mail room, restrooms, a nursing mothers’ room, a storm shelter with restrooms and a shower, as well as a large outdoor patio for entertaining. While the building is a cooperative, the university is responsible for all cleaning and maintenance.

What specific measures do you or your team implement to ensure this space meets the highest standards of cleanliness and embodies the value of clean?

Our custodial staff consists of two members who handle day-to-day cleaning, with additional support from a project team that helps maintain the floors and assists with cleaning during and after events. Given the high traffic in this space, which serves both the university and the community, we are committed to thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces. We also maintain a project cleaning schedule, which includes tasks such as high dusting, spot cleaning upholstery, cleaning windows, and pressure washing entrances.

How does cleaning this space contribute to the health and safety of those who use it?

Due to the high traffic in this building, we are constantly cleaning touchpoints. The facility is fully handicap accessible, including the shower in the storm shelter. It also features a nursing mothers’ room and family restrooms, as well as recycling stations throughout the building.

What does having a spotless space mean to you and your team?

The custodial team takes great pride in their work, knowing that the building serves as a showcase for business leaders and community members. It provides tenants with a clean, professional space to work and offers students a platform to launch their business ideas. The custodial team feels connected to the building’s success and takes satisfaction in being part of the positive impact it has on its occupants.