Colorado Real Estate Journal - February 18, 2015
Property Management News
Thornton Tomasetti’s Denver office achieves LEED Gold
Thornton Tomasetti, an international engineering firm, announced that its Denver office achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The office, located at 1400 Wewatta St., is the firm’s second U.S. location to seek LEED for Commercial Interiors status since the firm instituted a policy to seek LEED certification for all sizeable office fit-outs. The Denver location is the third Thornton Tomasetti office to achieve the Gold certification, after the Chicago and Philadelphia offices.
In order to achieve the certification, daylight and occupancy sensors were installed to reduce an already low lighting load. Lighting power at the office was reduced nearly 32 percent from code, and a reduced mercury count can be found in the office’s lamps. All furniture, paints, flooring and finishes are made from recycled, nontoxic and low-emitting materials, which improve the air quality of the office and contribute to a healthful environment. All office equipment is Energy Star rated, and high-efficiency fixtures reduce water use nearly 32 percent from code.
During construction, 74 percent of the waste was diverted, and 18 percent of materials used contained recycled content. In collaboration with Gensler, the interior architect, Thornton Tomasetti acted as its own LEED consultant and commissioning agent, using the expertise of its sustainability practice and mechanical, electrical and plumbing team.
“We are proud to continue the transformation of the firm’s offices into strong examples of corporate sustainability, and to become Thornton Tomasetti’s first office in the West/Mountain States to achieve LEED Gold certification,” said Stan Welton, PE, SE, MLSE, LEED AP, principal and Denver office leader, Thornton Tomasetti. “It is a great testament to our capabilities as sustainability consultants, and we hope to serve as a role model for other companies looking to achieve the same status.”
Sage Hospitality announces hotel management news
Sage Hospitality, a hotel management, development and investment company, began 2015 with a rapidly expanding portfolio in key markets, including the announcement of a new management contract for the Denver Marriott Tech Center, with a planned large-scale renovation for the south Denver convention venue. Host Hotels & Resorts owns the Marriott Denver Tech Center hotel.
Sage’s growth in development began last year with openings and renovations across the country. July 2014 marked the opening of Denver Union Station and the launch of The Crawford Hotel.
Other Denver announcements for Sage in 2014 included a 150- room independent hotel at 245 Columbine in the former post office building in Cherry Creek.
The luxury boutique hotel, developed in partnership with BMC Investments, will include Sage Restaurant Group’s second location for its Departure Restaurant.
Expanding on a relationship that began with Denver Union Station, Sage has partnered with Colorado real estate developer McWhinney on two new projects. The historic Windsor Dairy Block, in the Lower Downtown district of Denver, will include another independent Sage hotel. The duo also has plans to develop a two-acre block in Old Town, Fort Collins, which will include retail, a restaurant and a 165-room hotel associated with an undisclosed brand, set to open in 2017.
“We’ve been going after more independent hotels coupled with unique locally inspired restaurants, in exciting urban markets, because that’s where our sweet spot is,” said Michael Everett, chief investment officer for Sage. “We’ve seen amazing results in renovations and repositioning, and we look forward to operating these new hotels and restaurants and expanding our portfolio as both operator and owners.”