Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Company has received a 2019 Award of Excellence from the U.S. Green Building Council. The USGBC West North Central Leadership Award of Merit recognizes Kraus-Anderson’s new headquarters building in downtown Minneapolis in the category of Innovative Design, New Construction.
The award honors individuals and organizations whose exemplary work has been influential in the expansion of sustainable, high-performing buildings and projects. KA was recognized for its leadership approach, strategies that push the envelope of green design and resolving challenges with innovative solutions and high performance.
KA’s new 100,000-square-foot campus, located at 8th Street and 5th Avenue, consolidates the company’s Twin Cities operations under one roof in a five-story facility that serves more than 300 employees.
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 employee cafeteria with large windows for maximum daylight. The first floor also includes the employee fitness center with locker room facilities.
The majority of employee office space is located on floors two through five. 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.
KA will receive the award Nov. 7, 2019 at USGBC Minnesota’s annual celebration.