A former power plant, an iconic punctuation along the Lansing River Trail is now the recipient of worldwide recognition. The new national headquarters for
Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. was one of just 14 projects around the world chosen for a 2012
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Global Award for Excellence.
ULI has recognized and rewarded achievement of excellence in land use practice since 1979. Recipients must meet the criteria of leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability.
“Our headquarters has received 11 other awards in a variety of categories since the building’s completion in March 2011,” says Steven Reynolds, Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Services, “with this award being one of the most prestigious.”
The awards serve as a source of inspiration in the development industry, showcasing examples of ULI best practices and long-term impact. This project infused millions of dollars into the local economy; it employed 106 Michigan-based contractors and suppliers, which was 90 percent of the total hired to complete the job. Lessening environmental impact through building reuse (75 percent of existing walls, floors, and roof were maintained), construction waste management (nearly 97 percent of the construction waste was diverted), and green building practices (LEED Gold Certification) helped earn Accident Fund the award.
On the impact to the Lansing region, Reynolds says, “As people learn about awards the building has won, that only strengthens the attractiveness of both Accident Fund as an employer and of downtown Lansing as a potential location for new business growth.”
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