Top Projects 2017: Kraus-Anderson Twin Cities Office
Top Projects 2017 Kraus-Anderson Twin Cities Office
Kraus-Anderson Twin Cities Office is winner of a 2017 Top Projects Award presented by Finance & Commerce. The facility is one of 33 projects named by a panel of independent judges using criteria including degree of difficulty, creativity in design, innovative construction techniques, cooperation among contractors and management, and sustainability efforts.
High Performance, Collaborative Environment
Designed by Pope Associates, the new five-story 102,886 s.f. facility serves as headquarters and houses approximately 300 employees, consolidating three previous metro offices under one roof in a high performance collaborative work environment with leading edge technology.
The main entrance to the new corporate headquarters is positioned on the northwest corner of the block so it becomes a natural extension of the downtown business core. The first-floor entrance lobby includes a spacious waiting area, conference rooms and “KAfé”with large windows for maximum daylight. The first floor also includes the employee fitness center with locker room facilities.
Open for Business
An open office concept is used throughout the building, featuring electrically operated workstations, allowing employees to easily change from sitting to standing positions. Cost-effective sustainability, systems and technology measures also include a high-efficiency temperature and equipment monitoring network, energy-efficient LED lighting, daylight harvesting controls, and large, tint color windows that limit solar heat gain while allowing daylight to penetrate toward the center of the building.
Other amenities include a rooftop deck, formal and informal meeting areas, and an appealing, well-landscaped exterior. The building also includes two levels of underground parking to serve employees and visitors, and other users of the KA Block.
Sustainability Highlights
The building is designed and built to LEED standards and at this writing anticipates LEED Silver certification. The building utilizes many WELL philosophies, including spaces that support physical activity, healthy eating, and connections to nature. Other sustainable strategies include LED lighting, organics/compost collections in addition to recycling throughout the building. For every one ton of paper that is recycled, Kraus-Anderson can help prevent the processing of 17 trees. Over 75% of wood-based building materials installed are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified. Low-flow water fixtures reduce water usage and minimize the burden on supply/wastewater systems. In addition, the building is conveniently positioned to promote public transportation, situated within a quarter mile of 7 bus stops and within a half mile of 10 basic community services such as banks, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Underground parking lot not only limits urban heat island effect, but it also provides incentives for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles by providing preferred parking for 13 spaces for these types of vehicles. All adhesives, sealants, paints and flooring systems are low-VOC emitting materials, supporting the building’s excellent indoor environmental air quality.
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