Land O'Lakes Headquarters Expansion: Building a Sustainable, Connected Future

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural and civil engineering services for the 155,000-square-foot Land O'Lakes Headquarters Expansion in Arden Hills, MN. The new addition was designed to foster open, collaborative working environments, uniting the campus with dramatic and functional design elements.

Project Highlights

  • Campus Integration & Collaboration:
    • Expansion connects seamlessly to two existing wings, enhancing campus unity with innovative features including an underground tunnel, a stairway with bench seating, and an exterior rooftop patio.
    • The expansion provides flexible, open spaces that encourage teamwork and innovation across the organization.
  • Aggressive Schedule & Budget Management:
    • Delivered under a tight construction schedule and with an $85 million budget, BKBM collaborated weekly with all project teams to coordinate and integrate construction tasks.
    • Onsite engagement with contractors and mechanical subcontractors led to optimal solutions for extensive piping supports and the incorporation of cost-saving structural steel alternatives.
  • Structural & Civil Solutions:
    • Structural engineering focused on efficient load transfer, robust support for unique architectural gestures, and resilient, adaptable spaces for future needs.
    • Civil engineering included collaboration with the local watershed district, city, and wetland specialists to create a sustainable, cost-effective stormwater management system.
  • Sustainability Achievement:
    • Stormwater solutions met stringent local requirements and contributed to the project achieving LEED Platinum certification for both the building and the overall site.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s team blended cost-effective engineering, sustainable practices, and real-time problem-solving to support the architectural vision and operational goals. Structural and civil solutions enabled bold campus features while maintaining efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Results & Impact

The Land O'Lakes Headquarters Expansion delivers a transformative, LEED Platinum-certified workplace environment, uniting the campus and supporting employee well-being and creativity. BKBM’s engineering expertise ensured long-term performance, flexibility, and national recognition for cost-effective, sustainable design.