High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011 - (Page 19)

T h e C h r i s T m a n B u i l d i n g CIvIC A B Y g Av i n g A r d i CoMMITMENT daptive reuse is ideal for older cities that have a large stock of historic buildings. But how much does it cost to design, renovate and operate a repurposed building compared to a conventionally constructed building? Construction management and real estate development firm The Christman Company discovered that for its new headquarters in Lansing, Mich., it doesn’t cost more. Reaching energy use targets, however, has required ongoing commissioning to fine-tune the building. The Christman Building is the world’s first triple Platinum LEED project, recently adding LEEDExisting Buildings (2010) to its Core and Shell and Commercial Interiors certifications (2008). After the initial construction project, the building was expected to operate at peak energy efficiency, but this turned out not to be the case for a variety of reasons (see Lessons Learned, Page 26). As has been well publicized, the building’s higher than expected energy consumption was not a unique result for LEED certified buildings and resulted in the USGBC forming the Building Performance Partnership to help address this important issue. This 1928 landmark building, on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in the heart of Lansing, Mich., near the state capitol. Its new lease on life was accomplished in a 2007 major renovation. The downtown building and brownfield site provided an excellent candidate for a milestone green and historic preservation project. The design reused 92% of existing walls, roof and floors, and most of the company’s former office furnishings. Extensive recycling diverted 77% of construction debris from the landfill. Recycled and regionally manufactured materials, and low emission sealants, paints, carpets, and furniture were used extensively. The interior provides outdoor views to 90% of occupants. Workspaces are designed for flexibility, adaptability, collaboration and teamwork. Reusing this historic building tapped the inherent embodied energy and resources, avoided suburban sprawl and contributed to downtown revitalization. Its location uses existing public transportation B u i l d i n g aT a g l a n C e name The Christman Building location 208 n. Capitol Avenue, lansing, mich. owner The Christman Company Principal use Class A office includes The Christman Company corporate server room and a server room for each of the other two building tenants employees/occupants 70 occupancy 86% gross Square footage 64,190 distinctions/Awards leed-Ci, v.2 in 2008; Platinum Certification leed-CS, v.2 in 2008; Platinum Certification leed-eB o&m in 2010; Platinum Certification Sustainable Buildings industry Council (SBiC): 2008 Beyond green High-Performance Building Award CAm magazine green Project of the Year Award, 2008 Associated general Contractors of America: 2009 Build America merit Award eco-Structure: 2008 evergreen Awards, Second Place When Built 1928 major renovation 2007 enovation Scope Total renovation r and upgrade of a historic, but functionally obsolete and vacant building into a Class A headquarters building Total renovation Cost $12 million, minus $3,272,500 in various first-year tax credits for a net project cost of $8,727,500 Cost Per Square foot $136 Opposite The sky-lighted atrium, now known as Christman Square, is accessible from the fourth, fifth and sixth floors. It provides daylighting and encourages employee interaction. The space was created by connecting the two rear extensions of the U-shaped building. Summer 2011 H i g H P e r f o r m i n g B u i l d i n g S 19

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011

Commentary
Contents
Stanford University's Y2E2
The Christman Building
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Cannon Design Regional Offices, Power House
Great River Energy Headquarters
Letters
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Summer 2011