FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – (Oct. 12, 2016) – Industrial Realty Group, LLC (IRG), a leader in the adaptive re-use of existing commercial and industrial properties, has unveiled a new name and brand identity for the former Weyerhaeuser headquarters building in Federal Way.
The headquarters building, which opened in 1971, has been reintroduced to the commercial real estate market as The Greenline. IRG acquired the 355,000-square-foot building, along with the 425-acre campus, from Weyerhaeuser Company earlier this year.
“The name ‘The Greenline’ acknowledges the architectural elements that can be seen throughout the exterior of the building, along with the ivy that covers each of its long, horizontal levels,” said Tom Messmer, vice president of special projects at IRG. “It’s iconic, and we wanted a name that clearly and concisely represented those defining features.”
Along with the architectural treatments, The Greenline name speaks to the importance of preserving the natural environment immediately surrounding the building. IRG’s vision for the campus preserves most of the remaining acreage, including the Pacific Bonsai Museum, Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 40 acres of wooded lakefront and other currently undeveloped areas.
“We are leaving the exterior of The Greenline and the vast majority of the property untouched,” Messmer said. “We will continue to allow – and encourage – public access to the trails, the meadow, the botanical gardens and the headquarters.”
The Greenline name also aligns with IRG’s plans to continue operating the headquarters building in a streamlined, environmentally conscious manner. To that end, IRG hired Seattle-based, award-winning architectural firm CollinsWoerman to update The Greenline’s interiors to current Class-A standards for large-scale office users. Renovations to the interior spaces will coincide with the execution of any new lease agreements.
IRG has retained the services of a local brokerage firm, The Andover Company, Inc., to launch an international campaign to re-tenant the building.
“The Greenline is one of the most recognizable buildings in the Pacific Northwest,” said Andover principal Mike Hemphill. “The campus’ natural beauty – it’s surrounded by lakes, wildlife, Douglas fir trees and native landscaping – is one of the many features that make it so appealing to potential tenants.”
Through a collaborative partnership led by DEI Creative, IRG engaged a team of local experts including CollinsWoerman, Andover and Allison+Partners to assist in developing the new brand with the goal of reaching top national and international tenants. The open, collaborative work spaces are expected to draw significant interest from creative, innovative companies looking to expand or relocate to the Puget Sound region.
“Rejuvenating and re-leasing The Greenline building – to expand tax revenue to Federal Way and provide hundreds of well-paying jobs for the community – is our number one priority,” Messmer said.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, The Greenline features large rectangular floor plates, 14-foot floor-to-floor heights with 10-foot ceilings, continuous non-sash window-wall system, and diagonal column placement, all of which were designed to promote natural daylighting and maximize internal visibility. Building amenities include a large cafeteria, assembly space with capacity to accommodate 600 people, executive space, lush gardens and water features.
Offering immediate access and exposure to Interstate 5, The Greenline is located 23 miles south of Seattle and just 20 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
About IRG
IRG is a nationwide real estate development and investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development and management of commercial and industrial real estate throughout the United States. IRG, through its affiliated partnerships and limited liability companies, operates a portfolio containing over 120 properties in 28 states with over 100 million square feet of rentable space. IRG is nationally recognized as a leading force behind the adaptive reuse of commercial and industrial real estate, solving some of America’s most difficult real estate challenges.
