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Grounded In Green continued

Additionally, this water is used in a pumping system for the irrigation of trees and other plants located inside and around the building. This approach is expected to meet about half of the facility’s irrigation needs.

“Icefall,” the water feature in the main lobby, is supplied by the captured rainwater as well. However, the waterfall also serves a purpose beyond aesthetics in that it can humidify and chill the lobby area as needed.

Says Schwagerl, “The green features we incorporated were practical, not over the top. Even ‘Icefall,’ which came into the plan later on, was incorporated with some practicality. We worked with a great team that allowed us to make the correct and practical choices.”

World-Class Environment For Employees

In early 2006, employees gradually began moving into the new building. As with most sustainable building ventures, occupant satisfaction is a major focus at Hearst Tower. The transparent construction of the tower was part of this strategy in that it affords occupants in most spaces views of the outside.

PHOTO: MICHAEL FICETO/THE HEARST CORP.

And to furnish these spaces, the design team chose materials with little or no harmful chemicals. For instance, low vapor paints were specified, and formaldehyde-free furniture was chosen. Additionally, carpet and ceiling tiles were selected for their inclusion of recycled content.

Sustainably harvested wood was used to furnish the executive offices. These materials were also used to furnish the top floor of the tower; this is where the company’s boardroom and a function space, which can accommodate up to 200 people, are located. Expansive views of the city’s nearby Central Park bring more “green” into the building.

Sustainability was also addressed in the food court located in the atrium. A wide variety of organic food is offered at a subsidized price in “Cafe 57.” Cuisine choices include a sushi bar, brick oven pizza, and freshly prepared entrees.

Schwagerl points out that the atrium has become a town center of sorts, with employees taking time to eat meals and socialize there. “We wanted to achieve more than a corporate cafeteria with this space,” he explains. The atrium’s interior facade, formed by the original building structure, helps to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The atrium also contains an art gallery for exhibits, which are changed every three months. At the atrium level, there is a 168-seat theater where the company showcases its latest media ventures. Additionally, the entire atrium space can be used for various corporate events.

As might be expected in a state-of-the-art building, Hearst Tower contains a fitness center for its employees to use. Spa services and organized fitness classes are offered as part of this amenity.

From Past To Present

Reflecting on the role of the original headquarters building within the new tower structure, Schwagerl notes that it has given the company a renewed sense of its history. “In deciding to do this project on the site chosen nearly a century ago by William Randolph Hearst,” says Schwagerl, “we’ve committed to this facility and to the city for another 100 years. Earning LEED Gold certification was one of the ways we strived to be responsible for our surroundings.”

PHOTO: MICHAEL FICETO/THE HEARST CORP.

It would be fair to say that Hearst would be proud to see his vision of an office tower on the site he chose back in 1895. Perhaps with his pioneering spirit, he would be all the more pleased that his company was contributing to making green building a mainstream practice.

This article was based on an interview with Schwagerl and from project literature. To learn more, visit www.hearst.com/tower/.

To share your new construction and renovation stories, please send an e-mail to avazquez@groupc.com. To read past Showcase features, visit the Web at www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/showcase.asp.

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