Great River Energy Headquarters: Engineering Advanced, Sustainable Office Facilities

Project Overview

BKBM Engineers delivered structural engineering design services for a pioneering 150,000-square-foot, four-story office building in Minnesota—recognized as the state’s first to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The project includes a partial basement and limited underground parking, reflecting innovative office building engineering and sustainable construction. The structure features a post-tensioned flat-plate concrete system, providing open floor plans and long-term flexibility, with select portions of the roof and floors utilizing structural steel for added support.

Project Drivers: Values & Vision

The project set new benchmarks for sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant wellness in Minnesota office design. Client goals focused on maximizing daylight, fostering a healthy workplace, and advancing the state’s leadership in environmentally responsible construction.

Key Challenges & BKBM Solutions

  • Maximizing Daylight and Flexibility: Designed open floor plans to enhance natural lighting and create adaptable office spaces, aligning with LEED best practices.
  • Sustainable Materials: Substituted a minimum of 40% fly ash for Portland cement in concrete mixes, reducing embodied carbon and promoting sustainable material sourcing.
  • Innovative MEP Integration: Incorporated raised access flooring for efficient underfloor air distribution, contributing to occupant comfort and energy performance.
  • Onsite Renewable Energy: Accommodated photovoltaic panels on the roof and structural supports for an on-site wind turbine, advancing renewable energy goals.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

BKBM collaborated with architects, MEP engineers, and sustainability consultants throughout design and construction—ensuring a seamless engineering partnership and alignment with community sustainability expectations.

Cultural Heritage & Environmental Stewardship

As Minnesota’s first LEED Platinum office building, the project stands as a model for sustainable development, supporting environmental stewardship and fostering a culture of innovation in the regional business community.

Results & Impact

  • The completed building delivers:
    • State-leading energy efficiency and sustainability credentials
    • Open, healthy, and flexible workspaces
    • Reduced carbon footprint through advanced structural design and innovative materials