Having outgrown their existing office, King+King Architects chose to return to Syracuse, NY, where the firm originated in 1868. After hearing about the Near West-Side Initiative, King+King joined the movement to restore the downtown Syracuse community to its former glory as a business and social hub. An expanded 1913 farm equipment assembly plant and furniture warehouse in a marginalized neighborhood was chosen for renovation. From the start, the firm endeavored to create a legacy of sustainable design and contribute to community vitality with their new headquarters which earned LEED (NC v2.2) Platinum certification in April 2011.

7group led the project team in a Design Charrette and a Community-Focused Design Charrette, then provided LEED consulting and LEED documentation services. Before purchasing the Near West-Side brownfield site, material and preliminary energy modeling studies assessed the building’s potential. Through careful planning and material use, the project team reused 95% of the existing structure. The new location was also chosen for its proximity to bus routes and is in walking and cycling distance from many of the firm’s consultants. All told, this location reduced the staff’s total commuting by about 25,000 miles.

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Photovoltaic panels on the roof and New York State based wind power purchases provide all the electricity for the firm’s headquarters, which uses 50% less energy and water than a typical new building. With 95% of the interior spaces receiving natural daylight, light sensors were incorporated to detect natural light and dim electrical lights when not needed. Low emitting materials used throughout and highly effective ventilation systems with personal controls create a comfortable, healthy indoor environment. Hoping to inspire further growth and education in green technology, King+King Headquarters cooperates with the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Innovations by serving as a research test-bed for personal Indoor Environmental Quality controls.