Posted 8:37 pm Sunday, October 12, 2008
2 Tyler Firms Plan Earth-Friendly Complex
By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer
Tyler is turning green with the development of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building, expected to take shape this January.
Staff Writer
Tyler is turning green with the development of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building, expected to take shape this January.
Two Tyler companies leasing the same office space realized about 18 months ago that their thriving businesses had outgrown their current location. When BWR Architects and Engineers of Tyler and Genesis Group, a Tyler-based international software firm, decided to go forward with their own building plans, they decided to take an environmental approach to design and construction.
"I'm not a tree hugger, but I believe in good stewardship of the environment," said Genesis Group president Phil Burks.
"At some point we decided we needed to do some strategic investing in more than just computers, furniture and people," Burks said adding that he has been leasing space since his company started in 1989. "I need a place to put a software company, so it made sense to build a building not just for Genesis, but one we can lease out."
The idea developed into the Corporate Woods at Eagle's Nest, an office development at the intersection of Eagles Nest Boulevard and Paluxy Drive, The approximately 47,000-square-feet, Class A office structure is in the pre-leasing stage and will be the first of several buildings planned for development in that area. BWR Architects and Engineers of Tyler, which owns six acres of property adjacent to the Corporate Woods at Eagle's Nest site, anticipate constructing a similar LEED-certified building to house their operations in the future.
Matthew K. Marshall, an associate with Perry B. Hall Company, of Tyler, who is representing Corporate Woods at Eagle's Nest's leasing, said he does not anticipate having problems locating tenants.
With the project expected to be completed by early 2010, Marshall is looking for tenants to fill blocks of 8,625 to 15,000 square feet of office space.
Burks said he thinks there are lot of companies in Tyler and surrounding areas that, like his company, have outgrown their spaces.
"We really feel there is a market. There is someone out there saying I need 25,000 square feet in one building," Marshall said.
Marshall said another selling point is the energy savings and high-tech features of this building.
"We hope to hedge against energy cost escalations through a long-term leasing strategy," he said.
In addition to being the first LEED-certified building in East Texas, it will also be the first multi-level Class A building constructed in Tyler in 15 years.
"Having architecture and engineering practice we're real excited about the move toward LEED engineering," said Steve Todd, an architect with BWR, the firm responsible for the design and LEED compliance of the project.
Construction costs are estimated between $8 and $10 million.
GOING GREEN
A LEED-certified building is a new environmental approach to design and construction, explained Todd.
Todd and his firm have been involved in the design of two other green buildings - both of which are in the process of achieving a silver LEED rating.
LEED ratings are determined through a points system designed by experts to promote buildings that are economically profitable, environmentally friendly, healthy and productive places to work.
"It's a laundry list of things that can be done such as using renewable materials in the building to reducing the amount of dust produced during the construction process and maintaining as many of the existing trees as possible," Todd said.
Even the building's glass elevator will run on an energy saving motor.
Todd said that, at the Corporate Woods at Eagle's Nest, they plan to use local and regional materials to cut transportation costs, highly efficient mechanical and electrical systems, use Energy Star compliant roofing, designated HOV parking, water use reduction, storm water retention, interior space designed to provide daylight to over 75 percent of the Tenant area.
The building will also be equipped with alternative fuel vehicle stations.
Todd said studies show working in a green building promotes a healthy work environment and less absenteeism from employees.
"By having good air circulation, natural day lighting and views it creates a work environment that people want to be in and enjoy," he said. "This is going to be top of the line. It's exciting."
But keeping in line with Burks' technology background, architects are working to ensure the building is as tech-friendly as it is eco-friendly.
Offices will be equipped with fiber optics, plasma screens, card keys for entry access and HVAC Controls.
"We're trying to do all of the smart stuff and leverage the knowledge we have as a software company," Burks said.
