Industry News

Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin Corp. is considering a consolidation of its Research Triangle Park offices with a move to 85,000 sf of new office space in the Triangle. The search for new facilities was prompted by Lockheed Martin's acquisition in late 2001 of OAO Corp., which also has offices in the Triangle. Both firms provide the federal government with information technology solutions. 

 EI Inc., formerly Environmental Investigations, is relocating its Durham, N.C., headquarters to a new office facility under construction in Cary. The environmental and safety consulting firm will occupy half of the Devon Building's 2600 sf. Designed by Michael Hining Architects and built by general contractor Resolute Building Inc., the structure is developed by EI in partnership with Durham-based real estate developer Zapolski+Rudd. EI's Training and Compliance Center will be housed in the facility's large conference room accommodating up to 30 students.

Transamerica Corp. is adding significant new security features to its high-rise, the 500,000-sf Transamerica Pyramid in downtown San Francisco. A $3-million exterior upgrade will surround the building with 98 steel bollards, interspersed with trees. The lobby is undergoing a $3.5-million upgrade providing tenants two entrances controlled by card key access desks, a separate messenger drop-off desk, and new flooring and lighting. A new entry to the garage, and a valet gateway will also be provided. Completion of the upgrades is anticipated in July 2002.

FedEx Corp., based in Memphis, Tenn., plans to convert a former rice milling plant in San Francisco into a new 115,000-sf office and distribution facility. The $10-million project, designed by Solano Beach, Calif.-based McMahon Development Group, includes a two-story, 10,000-sf office building topped with  parking, and a warehouse providing 115 van stalls, 250 parking slots, vehicle maintenance garages, and a customer counter. Construction at the 4.2-acre site is scheduled to begin in June 2002, with operations commencing in December 2002.

Lockheed-Martin plans to occupy at least two buildings at a new four-building office park under construction in Mount Laurel. The developer of the 400,000-sf complex is Whitesell Construction Co. Inc. of Delran, Penn.