Open ceiling versus drywall

[John Coffey]

I am converting an existing building I am converting to 15 apartments.  I have the option to have an open ceiling that I paint flat black or drywall it.  There are steel bar joists every 4 feet that are 2 feet tall. The bottom of the bar joist are at 8‘4“.   The cost is roughly the same either way, which would be more desirable. I will keep the building long term. Thanks.