Corporate

The Performance Guaranteed Facility (PGF) model is a relatively new type of public/private partnership that allows the occupants to own a building the moment construction begins, while private-sector partners commit to its design, construction, financing, and ongoing maintenance, including future rehabilitation. The model goes by different names, but the concept involves an interactive partnership designed to benefit all parties for the long term.

When worldwide science and engineering leader DuPont saw a need to reduce the footprint of its Wilmington, Del., headquarters, the company undertook a strategic plan to maximize utilization of existing space while building state-of-the-art facilities designed to accommodate the workers of the future, and operate more cost-effectively and sustainably.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation opened its net-zero office building in late June of 2012. Located in Los Altos, Calif., the 50,000-sf facility is expected to attain LEED Platinum certification with a total of 95 LEED points. The two-story wood and steel structure was designed by EHDD and built by DPR Construction. The facility features advanced building systems, a sophisticated exterior skin, and a rooftop photovoltaic array. 

Deloitte has awarded Turner Construction a $130 million contract to build a 712,000-sf learning and leadership development center in Fort Worth, Texas. Slated for completion in 2011, the facility will house 800 guest rooms, conference spaces, 35 classrooms, and 800 guest rooms. LEED Gold sustainable design certification will be sought for the project.

OfficeSpace Software announced the expanded deployment of OfficeSpace, an innovative move management and workspace allocation application, in October of 2009. Designed to be intuitive and efficient, OfficeSpace’s web-based interface and drag-and-drop capabilities make it easy for administrative assistants, office managers, and facility professionals to allocate workspaces and schedule moves.

Dallas-based Capstar Commercial Real Estate Services is building a 770,000-sf data center in Mesquite, Texas. Developed in partnership with Cambray Group of Walnut Creek, Calif., the facility will be one the largest and most advanced data centers in the United States. The facility was designed by project architect RTKL to meet LEED sustainable design criteria. Thornton Tomasetti is providing structural engineering consultation.

A Louisiana State University study published in The Southern Medical Journal concludes that greater use of stairs in buildings could help to solve the nation's weight problem. Staircases can be made a central feature of new buildings with the use of improved lighting, air conditioning, carpeting, painted walls, artwork, motivational signs, and even music to make using the stairs more attractive to building users.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the FutureGen Alliance have agreed to develop plans for a commercial carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facility in Mattoon, Ill. The flagship facility would be the first in the country designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Computer Guidance Corporation, developer of financial and project management software solutions for architecture, engineering, and construction companies, announced the launch of its eCMS construction management software solution on a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform. As a hosted solution, eCMS offers the same fully-integrated financial, project, and productivity management solution functionalities and benefits as the traditional enterprise-class eCMS system, but uses a hosted software business model and IT architecture.

Kerry Group opened its $60 million Technical Center of Excellence in early spring of 2009 in Beloit, Wis. The innovation center houses application suites, research and development labs, culinary facilities, and a commercialization center for Kerry Group’s food ingredient and flavor customers. The project was constructed by Gilbane Building Company of Milwaukee and features an energy-efficient design that is expected to result in an annual energy cost reduction of 22 percent compared to conventional construction.

SAS is planning to construct a $70 million data center at its headquarters in Cary, N.C. The 38,000-sf facility will support research and development in cloud computing, which enables customers to utilize multiple central servers for computation and services delivery with access provided over the Internet. SAS is a maker of business intelligence software and predictive analytics.

Novus International’s new 90,000-sf global headquarters is slated for completion in early spring of 2009. Novus, an animal health and nutrition company, will consolidate its research and administrative operations in the $20 million facility. Sited in the Missouri Research Park in St. Charles, the project involved renovation of Novus’ existing 42,000-sf building and the addition of 48,000 sf. General contractor Clayco of St. Louis initiated construction in August of 2007 on the facility, which includes 10 laboratories, offices, and a training center.

Shanghai Tower Construction and Development Corporation broke ground on the 128-story Shanghai Tower on November 28, 2008. Designed by Gensler, the project will stand 2,074 feet tall and will be the tallest building in China. Housing offices, retail, and a hotel, the double-skinned building will feature an unenclosed observation deck, windmill generators, and rainwater collection facilities.

Perot Systems began construction in October of 2008 on its 150,000-sf office facility in Lincoln, Neb. Located in the University of Nebraska Technology Park, the project is being built by KDC (Koll Development Company) to meet LEED sustainable design standards. Completion is slated for the third quarter of 2009. The building will house 1,000 employees. Perot Systems is a provider of information technology and business services.

FedEx Ground Package Systems signed a 30-year lease in October of 2008 for a 330,750-sf facility in Fairfield, Calif. The building is three times the size of FedEx’s existing facility in Benicia, Calif. FedEx will construct additional office facilities at the site to support its administrative, distribution, and shipping operations. Occupancy is slated for spring of 2009.