CHICAGO--ProLogis, the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, announced that it has received the top award in the category of "Sustainable Architecture, Environmental and Green Design" for its LEED certified distribution center, located in Chicago, from the Northeastern Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).The award was given to ProLogis, Heitman Architects Incorporated, which designed the facility, and Executive Construction Inc. (ECI) and Clayco, the project's general contractors, during the Celebrate Architecture 2007 Honor Awards event, held on October 11, 2007 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill.
This building was featured in Material Handling Management. See, "It's Easy Being Green," www.mhmonline.com/viewStory.asp?nID=5506&S=1."ProLogis has focused on establishing a core competency in sustainable development," said Doug Kiersey, ProLogis senior vice president for the Midwest region. "We are honored that our first LEED certified distribution center in North America has been recognized for its environmentally friendly design and are pleased to have our efforts validated through this prestigious award."
The distribution center was a build-to-suit project for Anixter International, a leading distributor of wiring, cable and other communications products. Built in 2004 using an array of environmentally sensitive techniques and technologies, the warehouse was certified under the USGBC's "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) program. According to the judges, the facility makes "excellent use of materials to break down large mass of building." It is the first non-government industrial facility in Illinois to obtain LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) certification, and the second largest building in Illinois to achieve the designation.
"Sustainable development is an important initiative for real estate developers, architects and contractors in the U.S. and around the world," said Karl Heitman, principal and founder for Heitman. "We are pleased to have partnered with ProLogis on this project, which we believe is a model for sustainable building design, and to have been recognized by the AIA for our successful integration of green practices in support of preserving the environment."
Winners of the Honor Awards were selected by a jury comprised of AIA board members in the categories of "Distinguished Building," "Residential," "Preservation/ Adaptive Reuse," "Interior Design" and "Sustainable Architecture, Environmental and Green Design." ProLogis is one of the largest owners, managers and developers of distribution space in Chicago with more than 24 million square feet.
