GlenStar Properties, owners of Schaumburg Corporate Center (SCC), announced that the 1-million-square-foot complex has recently been recertified LEED Gold. It is one of only a few properties in the suburban office market to hold the distinction.
“We are really proud of our team who eagerly took on the important yet lengthy recertification process,” said SCC general manager Sheree Worcester.
GlenStar applied for recertification via the USGBC’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Existing Buildings program in which any projects previously certified must recertify at least once every five years to maintain status. Per the USGBC, the program promotes the ongoing implementation of leading practices in building operations and sustaining high levels of performance. Built-in prescriptive and performance strategies are intended to provide operational benefits throughout the life of the building. By sustaining these strategies, the building can maintain and even improve its performance over time.
“LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world,” Worcester said. “Available for virtually all building project types, from new construction to interior fit-outs and operation and maintenance, LEED provides a framework that project teams can apply to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.”
GlenStar acquired SCC in March 2017. Upon closing, the developer launched a comprehensive, $28 million renovation program to upgrade the property to Class A status that included upgrading the atrium to create a more tenant-friendly environment, adding a new, 5,000-square-foot tenant lounge with outdoor patio and revamping building entrances. GlenStar also upgraded tenant corridors, fitness center and restrooms, added a new covered parking structure and introduced a state-of-the-art conference center that will feature rooms of various sizes and outfitted with the latest conferencing technology.
The Chicago-based commercial real estate company is also in the process of introducing a spec suite program featuring modern designs and ranging in size from 1,700 to 49,000 square feet. Completion is expected mid-September 2018.
Originally designed by Fujikawa Johnson Gobel Architects, Schaumburg Corporate Center was developed in three phases beginning in 1980. The 380,000-square-foot 1501 Woodfield Road—the first building to be constructed—is four stories and surrounds a 17,000-square-foot glass atrium. The other two buildings, 1515 and 1475 Woodfield Road, are each 14 stories and were built in 1986 and 2002, respectively. The complex was designed to be self-contained with a roster of amenities that cater to both work and everyday life including a fitness center, cafeteria, convenience store, hair salon, lounge area, conference center, dry cleaner/tailor and below grade executive parking.
