Industry News

Microsoft opened Building 99 in Redmond, Wash. in November of 2007. Featuring flexible floor plans for optimal workplace customization, the new Microsoft Research headquarters can be adapted to accommodate changes in business groups. The facility houses individual offices, spaces with open floor plans, and alternative workspaces with removable walls. The building also includes a large atrium, meeting rooms, and places for spontaneous employee interaction. The new four-story facility is the first to open as part of a larger campus expansion and redevelopment plan.

IBM is creating a sustainable business consultancy program called Green Sigma. Based on the Six Sigma management methodologies, the service will help companies reduce the carbon footprint of their business processes. Part of IBM's Big Green Innovations division, Green Sigma has formulated best practices guidelines that will be implemented in IBM’s internal pilot program and eventually by external clients. IBM is entering the carbon management services arena as part of an effort to become a green technologies and services provider.

Monsanto Company completed construction of its $21 million, 40,000-sf data center in Creve Coeur, Mo. in September of 2007. The 40,000-sf facility, supporting the company’s global data and computation needs, began construction in early 2006. It is capable of withstanding up to 200 mile-per-hour winds and earthquakes up to 5.0 on the Richter scale. Monsanto expects to receive LEED certification for the facility, making it the first LEED certified data center in the state.

Ware Malcomb’s Los Angeles office has completed the design of the 2300 Empire Center located at 2300 West Empire Boulevard in Burbank, California. Higgins Development Partners, along with equity partner Walton Street Capital, both of Chicago, Illinois, are developing the project. Construction began on August 20, 2007 on the 7-story, steel-framed Class A office building totaling approximately 363,000 sf.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has selected Skanska USA Building in partnership with JCB Construction as construction managers of the new 127,000 OUC Headquarters Building. The $40 million project is scheduled to reach completion in September 2008. Hunton Brady and Baker Barrios are the project architects. The new facility is being developed as an energy-conscious, LEED-accredited facility that will replace the existing 40-year-old facility.