Monday LEEDoff*: Gensler's Silver Office at 1230 Avenue of the Americas

2007

Nov

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As we mentioned previously, Cook + Fox isn’t the only architectural firm that’s sought (and received) certification for New York City office space under the LEED for Commercial Interiors (“LEED-CI”) rating system. Back in September, USGBC awarded Gensler with New York’s third LEED-CI rating, dishing out Silver to the firm for its 66,000 square foot office at 1230 Avenue of the Americas in Rockefeller Center. Construction on the space, located on the building’s fifteenth and sixteenth floors, was completed by general contractor Lehr in October of 2006. The thrust of Gensler's design intent was to provide abundant natural daylight and views, which it achieved through the use of low workstations, no architectural elements on the perimeter, and few shading devices. Other green features include LEED standards such as recycled-content office furniture (custom-designed by Gensler) and low-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants. The firm has also implemented a variety of office recycling programs which include the transformation of old construction drawings into new sketchbooks for its staff. Links to images and more after the jump.

Because the office has been open and operational for just over a year, Joseph Lauro, a Gensler senior associate, was able to tell New York Construction that the firm has realized a ten to fifteen percent savings in energy costs, as well as a thirty percent savings on water usage, since moving into its new space. However, perhaps what’s most compelling is the eco-tour of the office that Gensler arranges for its clients in order to demonstrate the practicality of integrating sustainable design principles with leased commercial office space. These types of efforts- from firms like Gensler, Cook + Fox, and other similarly-situated industry stakeholders- will certainly go a long way towards encouraging Manhattan leaseholders to implement similar green measures in existing Gotham office towers. Check out the Interior Design link below for a slideshow that features some great images of the Gensler office space.

*The Monday LEEDoff is sponsored by Blumberg Capital Partners, which specializes in U.S. investment and asset management of commercial real estate. Its investors are high net worth individuals and institutional investors, including pension funds, foundations and banks. Visit the Philip Blumberg Blog for additional information.