New Uponor DC Plans LEED Certification

CHICAGO—First Industrial Realty Trust Inc will develop a 285,000-square-foot distribution center for Uponor North America, a supplier of plumbing, fire-safety and radiant heating and cooling systems.

The new DC will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Uponor will conserve energy by using water efficiently and installing drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient storm-water treatment, filtration processes and rain gardens. In addition, the use of alternative modes of transportation will be encouraged by providing bicycle racks and preferred parking for carpoolers.

"We are pleased to develop this state-of-the-art facility for Uponor in our new business park, which will enhance their supply chain," says Craig Patterson, senior development officer for First Industrial's Minneapolis/St. Paul region. "With ready access to the NAFTA Highway (Interstate 35), First Park Lakeville is an ideal distribution location, and we are pleased to be developing these facilities in accordance with LEED standards to meet our customers' needs for environmentally friendly, energy-efficient buildings."