| Strang,
Inc. designed the Agora, which is located in the heart of
Fitchburg Center, a mixed-use development surrounded by more
than 400 acres of prairie, forest and wetlands. The 84,000
square foot project is comprised of three buildings linked
by skyways and includes an underground parking facility. Classic
materials including clay-tile roofs, cedar siding, expansive
windows, copper elements and extensive stone masonry were
used to construct the buildings. The center is home to the
Promega Corporation, Kneaded Relief Day Spa and Wellness,
Ecco Salon and Prairie Bean Coffee. The site also features
a multi-purpose piazza and pavilion, which serves as a home
for local farmers markets and summer concerts.
History
When
Strang was approached by visionary Bill Linton, with the
concept for a corporate campus that would enhance the economic
landscape, while working within, and sustaining, the natural
surroundings it occupies – it was a unique chance
to develop a prototype for future commercial undertakings.
The premise of the overall design was to create a facility
that would remain structurally sound, while contributing
to the economic welfare of the community into the next century…
and beyond. Simply put - It is our hope is the Agora at
Fitchburg Center is appreciated not only for its innovative
concepts, or contribution to commercial development standards,
but rather for its simple, authentic, and timeless design,
embracing the prairie which served as its inspiration.
About
the Agora
- Fitchburg Town Center is nestled in the heart of Fitchburg
Center, a corporate park that includes over 400 acres
of surrounding prairie, forest and wetlands.
- Estimated
project cost of $22 million.
- Planning
for the Town Center’s first phase took approximately
three years.
22,000 square feet of retail space occupies the ground
level of two of the three buildings.
- The Town Center offers 62,000 square feet of commercial
office space, and will initially be home to Promega Corporation’s
administrative operations.
- Design
flexibilities also allow for the facility to convert into
other uses, including those of a residential nature.
- The
HVAC system consists of a central cooling plant using
two air-cooled chillers along with a water-side economizer
heat exchanger. The heating plant consists of three gas-fired
boilers supplemented by three gas-fired makeup air units
to provide the code required outside air. The ventilation
system consists of multiple
- Indoor air handling units along with either VAV or constant
volume air terminals having hot water reheat depending
on the space occupancy needs.
- Design
elements were inspired by the 7-acre restored prairie
that now serves as the centerpiece for the development.
- The
prairie fulfils a regional storm water retention need,
capable of handling a 100-year rain event.
Awards
- 2008 First Place for Corporate Office over 25,000 square feet, from the International Interior Design Association, Wisconsin Chapter
- 2008 Building of America Award from Real Estate and Construction Review
- 2007 Project of the Year for Commercial Construction from Masonry Construction Magazine
- 2007 Project of Distinction Award for Masonry and a Merit Award from the
Associated Builders and Contractors, Wisconsin Chapter
- 2007 Build Wisconsin Award from the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin
- 2005 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award
|
