June 11th, 2015

Office of Planning and Economic Development

City of Springfield
800 East Monroe
Springfield, IL 62701

Dear Abigail:
Please consider this our official Letter of Interest for the North Mansion Block Downtown Development
Opportunity. JSM is currently completing Campus Center in Champaign, IL, which we believe uniquely
positions us to compete for your project. We have current relevant experience with mixed-use
development encompassing hospitality, rental housing, retail, structured parking and office space, and
are interested in replicating this mix in other communities.
For reference, please visit http://commercial.jsmliving.com/about-us/current-projects for more
information on our current development experience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Christopher Hartman
President
JSM Real Estate, Inc.

Cottage Hill Development, LLC

135 S. Robert T Palmer Drive, Suite 200
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
June 10, 2015
Ms. Abigail Powell
Office of Planning and Economic Development
City of Springfield
800 East Monroe, Suite 107
Springfield, IL 62701
RE:

via email: Abigail.Powell@cwlp.com

Letter of Interest
North Mansion Block
Downtown Development Opportunity

Dear Ms. Powell:

We are pleased to submit this letter of interest for the aforementioned infill development
opportunity!
It is our goal to create a viable development concept that will meet Springfield's vision for
this very unique site.
I look forward to speaking with you as our group moves ahead with our working
concepts. We understand that we are required to submit questions to you no later than
July 10th, 2015 and final submissions are due on September 5th, 2015.
We are thrilled to have the chance to investigate the possibilities for this very exciting
downtown parcel!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, etc.
Sincerely,

cc: Mike Farmer

June 11, 2015

Office of Planning and Economic Development

City of Springfield
800 E. Monroe, Suite 107
Springfield, IL 62701
To Whom It May Concern:
I write in response to the North Mansion Block Downtown Development Opportunity Request
for Proposals (RFP). Vermilion Development and its partner hereby express our interest in
partnering with the City of Springfield to redevelop this site. As outlined below, Vermilion and
its partner have the experience, local insight, and financial capacity to redevelop this important
site in downtown Springfield.
Vermilion has extensive experience collaborating with communities across Illinois to transform
underutilized sites into vibrant, mixed-use projects. Our projects stretch from Chicago to
Champaign-Urbana, ranging in size from $5 million to $140 million. Vermilion has a deep
understanding of the transactional structuring, community engagement, and other unique
attributes that attend a public-private partnership.
Joining Vermilion in its response is Horve Builders. Based in Central Illinois, Horve has
constructed 50 hotels, 30 assisted living facilities, 10 apartment complexes, and many other
commercial facilities across the region. It has owned 20 hotels, including the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Hotel, which it acquired from the State of Illinois and in which it invested over $5
million renovating this signature downtown property. As a result, Horve has deep insight into the
local hospitality market.
Vermilion and Horve have partnered on other projects in Central Illinois, most recently closing
the financing for a $20 million project in Peoria. Among other capital sources, a subsidiary of
Berkshire Hathaway invested in that project. In that vein, Vermilion has an extensive track
record attracting capital to a variety of projects, and it has secured multi-million dollar
investments from both high net worth and institutional equity investors.
In sum, we have the expertise, local market knowledge, and financial backing to execute on a
project of this magnitude and importance. In the next phase of the process, we look forward to

www.vermiliondevelopment.com
401 N. Franklin Street, Suite 4 South

Chicago, Illinois 60654

presenting our qualifications and experience, land use plan, preliminary design, financing plan,
schedule and other materials.
Should you have any questions about these materials, please dont hesitate to contact me at (312)
239-3534.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

David Cocagne

June 11, 2015

Office of Planning and Economic Development

City of Springfield
800 E. Monroe, Suite 107
Springfield, IL 62701
To Whom It May Concern:
I write in response to the North Mansion Block Downtown Development Opportunity Request
for Proposals (RFP). Vermilion Development and its partner hereby express our interest in
partnering with the City of Springfield to redevelop this site. As outlined below, Vermilion and
its partner have the experience, local insight, and financial capacity to redevelop this important
site in downtown Springfield.
Vermilion has extensive experience collaborating with communities across Illinois to transform
underutilized sites into vibrant, mixed-use projects. Our projects stretch from Chicago to
Champaign-Urbana, ranging in size from $5 million to $140 million. Vermilion has a deep
understanding of the transactional structuring, community engagement, and other unique
attributes that attend a public-private partnership.
Joining Vermilion in its response is Horve Builders. Based in Central Illinois, Horve has
constructed 50 hotels, 30 assisted living facilities, 10 apartment complexes, and many other
commercial facilities across the region. It has owned 20 hotels, including the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Hotel, which it acquired from the State of Illinois and in which it invested over $5
million renovating this signature downtown property. As a result, Horve has deep insight into the
local hospitality market.
Vermilion and Horve have partnered on other projects in Central Illinois, most recently closing
the financing for a $20 million project in Peoria. Among other capital sources, a subsidiary of
Berkshire Hathaway invested in that project. In that vein, Vermilion has an extensive track
record attracting capital to a variety of projects, and it has secured multi-million dollar
investments from both high net worth and institutional equity investors.
In sum, we have the expertise, local market knowledge, and financial backing to execute on a
project of this magnitude and importance. In the next phase of the process, we look forward to

www.vermiliondevelopment.com
401 N. Franklin Street, Suite 4 South

Chicago, Illinois 60654

presenting our qualifications and experience, land use plan, preliminary design, financing plan,
schedule and other materials.
Should you have any questions about these materials, please dont hesitate to contact me at (312)
239-3534.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

David Cocagne

North Mansion Block

Downtown Development
June 11, 2015

Letter of Interest

01

Company Introduction

June 11, 2015

Abigail Powell
Oce of Planning and Economic Development
City of Springfield
800 East Monroe, Suite 107
Springfield, IL, 62701

02

RE: North Mansion Block Downtown Development Opportunity

The Gensler Dierence

Dear Ms. Powell:

03

Thank you for taking the time to discuss this exciting development opportunity with me last week. As
discussed, Gensler is very interested in the forthcoming RFP for this project. The sites unique adjacencies
have great potential to create a thriving mixed-use project and position this block as an inspirational
public space also where people meet and gather and businesses flourish. Enclosed please find our recent
qualifications for mixed-use and retail developments for your perusal.

Selected Project Experience

Currently Gensler does not have any projects in Springfield and most of our developer contacts do not
either. However, we are very interested in teaming with developers that you are aware of and that you feel
are capable of the task at hand.
As you are aware, Gensler is a global architecture, design and planning firm with 46 locations and almost
5,000 professionals around the world. While Gensler is global, we are also a local Midwest firm with more
than 500 professionals networked across Chicago, Lacrosse, Detroit and Minneapolis; serving our clients as
trusted advisors, combining localized expertise with global perspective wherever new opportunities arise.
Genslers talented sta oers a wealth of specialized knowledge across a wide range of industry sectors.
Through our 31 practice areas, we deliver building and project types that meet our clients needs. Our
collaborative, transdisciplinary approach blends the diverse knowledge of these specialties to explore new
possibilities and give clients a competitive edge through fresh ideas and unique solutions.
I look forward to the potential of working with the City of Springfield and collaborating on this or future
mixed-use projects.
Warm regards,

Gail Borthwick, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Design Director / Practice Area Leader
+1.312.386.6325 direct tel
gail_borthwick@gensler.com

Gensler

02

Company Introduction

Gensler

Gensler

01 | Company Introduction

GENSLER

Each oce reflects its local culture

With almost 5,000 professionals in 46 global locations, Gensler provides

architecture, design, planning and strategic consulting services to clients worldwide.
Bringing experience, creativity, shared knowledge and incomparable talent to every
project; we team professionals with the right skills, to the right project.

46 15
Locations

NORTHEAST
SOUTH
CENTRAL
SOUTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

Fast Company magazine called Gensler one of Americas

most influential design firms. Michael J. Stanton, FAIA, former
President of the AIA, said Gensler is Americas foremost
collaborative practice. The firm exemplifies how the creative mix
of disciplines, all with place as their focus, adds richness and
value to buildings and their settings.

INTEGRATED PRACTICE AREAS FOR INNOVATION

Gensler combines specialized depth of knowledge with a wide
breadth of industry sector coverage. We have cleint is virtually
every industry. Through Genslers practice area network, clients
receive specific expertise when and where they need it, whether
its a just-in-time need or a critical, strategic effort.

Gensler supports the development of innovative places with a

philosophy of value-based design and comprehensive services
that allow clients to collaborate with a continuous, dedicated
team from planning through construction. We have organized and
integrated our services to support clients at every stage in the real
estate and facilities cycle, from initial strategy and design through
implementation and management. We focus on understanding our
clients goals and strategies, and seek to add substantial value to
their enterprises through our work and services.

With a deep-bench of talent, we are committed to sharing

knowledge and skills firmwide, and have access to our own experts
specializing in a range of markets and service offerings. Our
portfolio allows us an in-depth perspective on how design can
affect the overall satisfaction of the people who come through
your doors.

For 50 years now, we have been committing to the community

and building our local practice with our knowledge from around
the globe. We have been at the forefront of forward-thinking
design for innovative workplaces, health & wellness facilities,
hospitality environments, retail communities, headquarters, and
much more.

Our strength as a firm lies in a holistic design approach that

incorporates research and best practices as well as technical
expertise. We understand the power of space to satisfy not only
functional requirements but also to create space that inspires and
engage all users.

EUROPE

NORTH
CENTRAL

NORTHWEST

Countries

ASIA

LATIN
AMERICA

OUR LOCATIONS
Asia
Bangalore, Bangkok, Beijing,
Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai,
Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo
Europe/ Middle East
Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai,
London
Latin America
Mexico City, San Jos, So
Paulo
Northeast
Boston, Pittsburgh, New York,
Morristown, Toronto

Northwest
Oakland, San Francisco, San
Jose, Seattle
Southeast
Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte,
Miami, Philadelphia, RaleighDurham, Tampa, Washington
DC
South Central
Austin, Dallas, Houston
Southwest
Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,
Newport Beach, Phoenix, San
Diego

North Central
Chicago, Detroit,
La Crosse, Minneapolis

Gensler

Gensler

01 | Company Introduction

31 PR ACTICE
AREAS

GENSLER CHIC AGO

Defense &
Aerospace

Financial
Service Firms
Government

Professional
Service Firms
Media

Our Gensler Chicago oce has made its mark with our commitment to the local
community and by building our local practice with our knowledge gained from
projects around the globe.

We opened our Chicago oce in 1997, when the McDonalds

Corporation approached us to design all of their corporate
workplace facilities, beginning with the Oak Brook headquarters.
Theyd seen our design of the North Face store at the base of
the Hancock Tower, and decided that we were a design firm that
truly understood branded environments. In the words of their
facilities team, they turned to Gensler because we are the best
in class.
Gensler has a long-standing tradition of going where our clients
call us, and given Chicagos iconic standing in the world of
architecture, we seized the opportunity. From that first
commitment to McDonalds, weve devoted our passion,
curiosity, and design skills to creating spaces that the people of
Chicago are proud to call their own.

While we are part of a global firm, we are also a local firm with
more than 400 professionals networked across the Northcentral
Regional oces in Chicago, Lacrosse, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
We serve our clients as trusted advisors, combining localized
expertise with global perspective wherever new opportunities
arise.
The Gensler Northcentral Region is led by Nila R. Leiserowitz
and Lamar Johnson. Their aspiration is to make the world a
better place to live, learn, work and play through the power of
design.

Product
Design
Landlord
Services
Tall
Buildings
Technology

Through our 31 specialized

practice areas, Gensler delivers
specific building and project
types that meet our clients
myriad needs around the world.

Many of Genslers clients call on the depth of one

practice area thats most relevant to their business,
while others benefit from the integration of talent
and knowledge in multiple practices.

Our design expertise includes

a wide range of industries
and project types, giving us
extensive insight into how
design and functionality can
aect user satisfaction and the
overall success of a space.

WORK

15 practice areas

Brand Design
Entertainment

3 MARKET
SECTORS

Hospitality

Convention
Centers
Arts &
Culture

Practice
Areas

Retail
Retail
Centers

Corporate
Campuses
Consulting
COB
Developers
Aviation &
Transportation

31

Mixed-Use

Genslers talented sta oers a wealth of

specialized knowledge across a wide breadth
of industry sector coverage. Our collaborative,
integrated approach blends the diverse knowledge
of these specialties to explore new possibilities and
give clients a competitive edge through fresh ideas.

Life
Science
Consumer
Products
Energy

Education

LIFESTYLE

COMMUNITY

7 practice areas

9 practice areas

Residential
Not for Profit
Sports &
Recreation

Planning
& Urban
Design

Health &
Wellness
Mission
Critical

Lifestyle
Brand Design
Entertainment
Hospitality

Mixed Use
Residential
Retail

Retail Centers

Energy
Financial Services Firms
Government
Life Sciences
Media
Product Design

Professional Services
Firms
Landlord Services
Tall Buildings
Technology

Education
Health & Wellness
Mission Critical
Not for Profit

Planning & Urban

Design
Sports & Recreation

Work
Commercial Oce
Buildings
Consulting
Consumer Products
Corporate Campuses
Defense & Aerospace
Community
Aviation &
Transportation
Arts & Culture
Convention Centers

Gensler

Gensler

02 | Company Introduction

OUR FOUNDER, ART

GENSLER, BELIEVED
THAT DESIGN THINKING
COULD REVOLUTIONIZE
THE WAY PEOPLE WORK
AND LIVE.
He started the firm 50 years ago this
year, and were proud to have built
our practice exploring how great
design positively influences the ways
employees work and companies
operate. Our approach reflects a deep
knowledge and understanding of how
people and organizations use and
experience place and space. We help
our clients achieve their own business
objectives by creating spaces that are
not only relevant and memorable, but
also uniquely their own.

KIC 311 PLAZA, SHANGHAI,CHINA

10

Gensler

Gensler

11

WERE INTERIOR
DESIGNERS, STR ATEGISTS,
ARCHITECTS, GR APHIC
DESIGNERS AND
PL ANNERS.
Our team is diverse, and we think this is
valuable. Our unique perspectives allow
us to approach problems from every
angle. This allows us to deliver the
best solution possible. This synergy of
leading-edge interior design, world-class
architectural know-how, workplace and
business strategy, and construction
expertise allows us uncover more
possibilities, troubleshoot more
proposed designs, and exhaust more
options on your behalf.

888 BRANNAN, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

12

Gensler

Gensler

13

01 | Company Introduction

WE THINK ABOUT
DESIGN ALL THE TIME
We make a living doing what we love, so we cant help ourselves.
We start by asking tough questions and wondering what success
looks like to our clients.

MCCORMACK CERMAK ROAD/SOUTH LOOP STUDY, CHICAGO, IL

14

Gensler

Gensler

15

02

The Gensler Dierence

16

Gensler

Gensler

17

02 | The Gensler DierHnce

MIXED USE DESIGN

Our strength in economic and business analysis also means we can pinpoint
emerging opportunities for our clients in new business areas and global markets
and help them create strategies to exploit those opportunities.
We know that our clients are looking to create places that people
want to beanticipating trends, not following them. Since life
is never linear, we approach our work with a strong vision and a
flexible approach, giving it the resilience needed to perform well
both today and tomorrow. We create integrated communities
that as a whole exceed the sum of their parts.
Genslers Mixed Use practice is helping to shape the future by
creating designs for many of the most important developments
around the world, from South Johor to south Baltimore. Informed
by the best new ideas and developments worldwide, we deliver
plans that harness the full potential of a site and/or community
however big or small the project is.
We understand how to plan for the complex balance of elements
needed for successful, sustainable, and attractive communities.
That is why our plans consider journey times, access to green
spaces, the infrastructure of local shops, employment, schools,
transport, health and leisure facilities, as well as the ergonomics,
infrastructure, and sustainability of
a site.
Gensler taps into the complementary disciplines of retail design,
consulting, analytics, interior design, architecture, and brand
designto transform public spaces into living spaces.

Cities are the engines

of the wider economy.
They have to balance
the demands of the
future with the realities
of the present, and
each must contend
with very dierent
challenges. Gensler has
the global toolkit needed
to create innovative,
implementable plans for
whats next.
18

Gensler

Gensler

19

02 | The Gensler DierHnce

OUR WORK IS DEEPLY

ROOTED IN RESEARCH,
A FUNDAMENTAL PART
OF WHO WE ARE AS
STR ATEGISTS AND
DESIGNERS.

Gensler Workplace Survey

Gensler Design Forecast

18

Gensler 2013 U.S. Workplace Survey / Key Findings

A CLOSER LOOK

THE WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE INDEX

A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO IDENTIFY
WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITIES

We undertake annual research initiatives, outside of our client

engagements, to inform our entire body of work. Were obsessive
about harnessing the data we collect to influence design solutions.
We have a long-standing commitment to research, benchmarking,
and building best-practice knowledge around alternative design
strategies, innovative spaces, health and wellness, and more.

Genslers Workplace Performance Index (WPI) is a proprietary,

web-enabled survey tool designed to measure the performance of
an individual workplace or client portfolio. The tool is used for both
pre- and post-occupancy analysis to allow for comparisons and to
document improvements in workplace effectiveness. In the prephase, employee input on workplace performance factors is gathered
at the beginning of a project in order to inform design decisions.
in the post-phase, following project completion, employee input is
gathered to measure the success of the design solution. By using a
core set of parallel questions, individual projects can then be directly
compared to the results of national surveys to put project work into
a context of broader knowledge and trends in workplace design.

Our research process is rigorous; its based around a yearly grant

system, a schedule of formal and peer reviews, and learning
programs. These investigations are important to our firm, our
clients, and to the ongoing learning and development of Gensler
professionals. Through our research, we seek to explore the
ways in which design can contribute to solving our clients most
pressing challenges by creating high-performance design solutions
that enhance the human experience and deliver game-changing
innovation.

The Growth of Genslers

WPI Respondent Database
08/200707/2013

111,089

WORKING
LONGER

LIVE/WORK IN THE
URBAN CENTURY

40% of US workers surveyed are

still working at age 65, compared
with 20% ten years ago.

THE APPEAL OF PROXIMITY

YOUNG
WORKERS,
NEW VALUES
Approaching 78 million in the US
and soon to be the largest cohort in
India and China, Gen-Yers stand out
as the most urban, multicultural,
and transient of all generations. In
2015, they will become the majority
in the workforce.

87,160

62,780

The WPI Report

After conducting a WPI, we
provide a detailed report of
findings based on a specific
workplace. These results are also
benchmarked against findings
from our national workplace
surveys to measure performance
in relation to a national average
or industry segment.

15

45

15mil

NEW YORK
CITY

15

45

LONDON

30

30

30

avg. commute time:

avg. commute time:

avg. commute time:

33 mins.

39 mins.

SHANGHAI

15

22 mil

30

avg. commute time:

37.5 mins.

50.5 mins.

POPULATION DENSITY (km2)

1500

6500

LESS
DENSE

VERY
DENSE

70%

of companies average healthrelated costs can be attributed

to absenteeism. Engagement
and wellness-focused workplace
design can help reduce it.

202
2010

45

of the world lives in urban areas.

65%
2009

15

9.5 mil

20.5 mil

54%

SETTINGS
THAT ENGAGE

3,169

2008

LOS
ANGELES

31,450

19,447

2007

45

URBAN
DENSIFICATION

WPI surveys are conducted as a part of direct client engagements.

The results of WPI surveys are collected in a separate databasefrom
Workplace Survey responsesthe WPI database now has over
100,000 survey responses from employees of Gensler clients.

KEY FINDINGS

As the population and density of cities increase, so does the appeal

of proximity. Aside from shorter commutes, proximity implies a balance
between work and life.

2011

2012

of the worlds population

is expected to be urban
by 2050.

TIED TO TRANSIT
Gen-Yers are more likely to live in walkable areas, to relocate if it
means a shorter commute, and to use car-share options.

75%

of Gen-Yers rank
walkability as a top
priority.

2013

Gensler Dialogue

The following are a few highlights of some of our past and ongoing
research projects:

20

Gensler

Gensler

21

02 | The Gensler DierHnce

Strategic visioning workshops are creative, collaborative, facilitated work sessions

in which a team of stakeholders (both internal and external) engage in discussions
and interactive exercises designed to add clarity to the future of a brand and/or
organization. The workshop helps the team identify critical issues, establish project
parameters, develop measures for success, and ultimately identify and work towards
a common goal.
The purpose of a Visioning Workshop is to connect key stakeholders
and decision-makers directly with the creative process. The workshop
is an invaluable opportunity to discuss project goals, fears and
priorities, identify potential programming parameters as well as
possible design drivers, and arrive at a shared vision and vocabulary.

Through a series of presentations, group discussions and handson exercises, we encourage participants to expand their thinking
and share ideas and inspiration. This helps our team develop an
understanding of the context, brand positioning, key values, strategic
dierentiators and overall corporate culture that define the clients
organization. The information gathered in the Visioning Workshop will
be recorded and synthesized by our team and will define a strategic
foundation and shared vision for future projects.

STR ATEGIC VISIONING

We approach design as creative problem
solvers. This means applying creative
thinking to the entire problemfrom the
kicko of a project to the final execution.

Vision
Organization

Our team of strategists & designers partner with client teams to look
inside the client organization, understanding current needs, beliefs,
and processes; and outside at the world, to best in class examples,
current practices, and future trends.
We strive to align our clients cultural, business, and brand attributes
to deliver meaningful change and lasting results. By grounding our
recommendations in thorough research and interactive dialogue,
and balancing quantifiable information with qualitative perspectives,
we give our clients the tools to grow smart and realize their vision.
Partnering with Gensler means that big ideas will be built upon.
22

Gensler

Context
Brand
Gensler

23

SKILLS SETS

Stakeholder Engagement
Statistics
Benchmarks
Econometrics
Modeling
Financial Analysis
Programming
User Analysis

PROJEC T T YPES

GENSLER ANALY TICS

Our Analytics team is comprised of
economists, market analysts, business
planning professionals, urban planning
professionals, economic development
specialists, statisticians and infographics
specialists.

Gensler Analytics specializes in complex, multi-dimensional and

multi-disciplinary projects. Gensler Analytics can serve a range of
needs within a scope of work, dependent on the projects phase
and scale.
For complex projects, a combination of analysis, strategy and
design reduces risk and provides direction towards the most
optimal outcomes. The group works with clients to develop
24

Gensler

scenarios that accomplish project goals, help identify a preferred

scenario and define steps to accomplish desired goals.
Gensler Analytics is quantitatively-focused, specializing in the
utilization of structured data and information. Most often, the
information is economic or financial in nature, though it may also
take other forms depending on the requirements of a project.

Program Development
Economic, Financial, and Fiscal-Impact Analysis
Demographic and Psychographic Market Analysis
Agile Real Estate Programming and Mixed-Use Analysis
Real Estate Positioning, Repositioning and Location Analysis
Financial Analysis, Lifecycle Costing, Revenue Modeling
Data Mining
Facility Optimization
Multi-Building Analysis (Portfolio)

EX AMPLES OF USE
MARKET (AND USER) SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS
Combination of licensed household consumer segmentation information and relevant demographic and economic sources that
translates market positioning to building programming and massing.

For large-scale, urban projectssuch as sports, commercial

office buildings, entertainment or mixed-use development
understanding the urban context is critical. A market and
economic framework for positioning a project within this context
is the fundamental ingredient for success.

FINANCIAL MODELING AND SCENARIO ANALYSIS

Scenario modeling tool that compares (various perspectives of) value across mixed-use redevelopment and repositioning options.

Gensler Analytics is experienced at defining uses and programs

that stem from market demand. For multi-use, complex demand
sources, the business profile requires full years definitionusing
data from seasons, months and days of the week. The ability
to create this full profile of business and a projects positioning
within its market context is what enables successful projects.

ECONOMIC IMPACT TOOL

Run IMPLAN impact model with input of construction and operational programmatic components
to summarize direct, indirect, and induced impacts related to overall economic activity, jobs, and fiscal impacts.

DECISION SCORECARD
Criteria selection, evaluation, and prioritization to move towards an optimized, or preferred, scenario.

Gensler

25

BR AND EXPRESSION
An organizations promise is more than
a set of words; it is a concept, an idea,
a story. Like a conventional story, it has
meaning. It connects with people at an
emotional level.
Gensler believes the most successfully designed spaces tell a
powerful story from the moment you arrive. As a leader in the
design of branded environments, we seek first to understand
the users of the spaces we are designing for and then combine
that knowledge with a clear understanding of the current brand
and culture to strategically maximize design as a tool to inspire
people and drive engagement.

26

Gensler

We know that it is not enough to deliver your project well; as

designers, we must bring each clients brand and culture to life.
Genslers design philosophy embraces the notion that the work
environment should be the bricks and mortar embodiment of a
distinct corporate or community culture.
The incorporation of an organizations brand into the fiber of their
space is an effective design strategy that uses words, images,
materials, spaces, and even products to physically express an
organizations culture and full fill the promise of patient care.
Our designers will work hand-in-hand with you from day one to
understand your mission and values and to determine how we
can bring them to life within the space. Branded environments
should create an experience for everyone, those who work there,
and those who pass throughcommunicating a clear message
about your organization and your commitment to your users.

SUSTAINABLE
SOLUTIONS
Sustainability is built into the Gensler
design process
At Gensler, we focus on Sustainable Design Performance related
to three areas: Sustainability, Human Factors, and Economics. We
work with our clients to establish what goals are most valuable
for a given project and develop metrics that help determine if we
are successful. The team starts by gathering data and information
about our clients site, culture, business strategy, and decisionmaking process. This allows us to understand the context of the
project and lay out a road map for performance goals and design
guidelines.

Some examples of Sustainability performance goals can include

Energy, Water, Materials, and Ecology. Human Factors
performance goals could include successful place-making,
resiliency strategies, user amenities, user experience, connection
to public transportation, and xeriscaping. Economic performance
goals could include sales/profitability, return on investment,
responsive market positioning, optimization of real estate
investment. Once we establish the goals for the project, we
incorporate them into our design process, from early ideation
through implementation. In order to keep a project on track for
success, some goals work well as a specific, quantitative target,
for example: 90% of the buildings shall be day lit with a certain
number of foot-candles. Some may be more qualitative, for
example: Provide healthy air quality by eliminating red list
chemicals, or provide on-site stormwater treatment and capture.
While other goals may seek improvement over a current
condition, reduce amount of impervious surfaces over the
existing condition.
We believe this project represents a fantastic opportunity to
develop your goals and take design performance to a whole new
level.
Gensler

27

03

Select Project
Experience

28

Gensler

Gensler

29

03 | Select Project Experience

WERE PROUD OF THE

RECOGNITION WE
HAVE RECEIVED FOR
THE QUALIT Y AND
INNOVATION OF OUR
WORK .
We think this speaks to our close collaboration with clients and
the impact of our design on businesses and communities.
Gensler is a repeat winner of the prestigious Business Week
Design Award, which recognizes innovative design solutions
driven by strategic business purpose. The American Institute
of Architects named us Firm of the Year, its highest award to a
collaborative practice; the award recognized Gensler as a model
of a 21st century design firm. Interior Design Magazine ranked
Gensler #1 in Firm, #1 Most Admired Interior Design Firm, and
#1 in Oce, Retail, Government, Education Transportation, and
Cultural Design. In 2005, we received the inaugural Leadership
Award of the U.S. Green Building Council.

1330 WEST FULTON - MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, CHICAGO, IL

30

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Gensler

31

5th & Race

Mixed-Use Development
Cincinnati, OH

Currently under construction, this partnership between the

City of Cincinnati, 3CDC (an Urban Real Estate Developer), and
Dunnhumby (a retail research firm), selected Gensler to provide
full design services for the construction of a new below and
above-grade garage, oce, and retail/commercial mixed-use
development.

900,000 sq ft
Completed 2015
Services Provided
Urban Planning & Design
Architectural Design
Interior Architectural Design
Interior Design
Standards Development
Environmental Graphic

This development is located in the CBD of

Cincinnati, located at the northwest corner of
5th & Race Streets. This project will be a major,
iconic addition to Cincinnatis downtown. This
project is another example of the continued urban
redevelopment of Cincinnati. The project vision
includes below grade parking on the entire site with
street level retail and the Dunnhumby headquarters
above on the southern portion of the site and
above grade parking and a residential tower above
on the northern portion of the site.
Although the residential tower has since been
removed from the program, Genslers scope did
include the planning necessary for the integration
of the residential tower including vertical
access, utility systems and overbuild structural
requirements.

32

Gensler

The four major components of the project are:

1. An approximate 600 car below-grade parking
garage
2. A 225,000 sf, five and one-half story oce
space above south retail space
3. An approximate 400 car above-grade parking
garage on the north portion of the site
4. An approximate 45,000 sf ground level with
lobbies, mechanical spaces and approximate
40,000 sf dedicated to retail/commercial space
which may or may not include restaurants,
retail/soft goods, convenience commercial
space, and oces.

Design
Signage & Wayfinding
Design

These four projects are intimately related in

many ways, and combined create a complex but
integrated mixed use development.

Gensler

33

Center on Halsted
A place to build community
Chicago, IL

The Center on Halsted mixeduse development

posed a unique design challenge: to balance the
needs of a two key tenants, both of whom needed
a strong street presence. The retailer, Whole Foods,
required 90% of the first floor to accommodate
their store, and the Center On HalstedChicagos
community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) personsneeded to project
its openness to the community. Genslers solution
balanced the needs of both tenants through
an innovative design that marries two distinct
identities in a single structure.
The solution involved using the existing historic
facade as the visual indication of the Whole Foods
store on the first floor, wrapping it with a new,
contemporary structure that creates a street
identity for the Center, which is actually housed on
the second through fourth floors.
Genslers design balances the diverse needs of the
users, simultaneously reflecting the public/private,
therapeutic/celebratory elements of the program,
and creating a visible neighborhood presence for

34

Gensler

both the retail tenant on the first floor and the

community center above.

175,000 sq ft
Services Provided

The program includes the Whole Foods grocery

store, meeting rooms, resource center, gym, theater,
oces and a roof garden. One of the projects key
achievements is the coordination of the buildings
complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing
systems for the oce, sports, performance and
retail spaces, in order to register a LEED Silver
rating.

Architectural Design
Interior Architectural Design
Sustainable Coordination
Services
Building Design
Corporate Identity
Environmental Graphics
Signage & Wayfinding
Program Design

Richard Driehaus Award for Outstanding Non-Profit

Neighborhood Development, City of Chicago Neighborhood
Development Awards, 2007

LEED Certification

LEED-NC Silver

Community Vision Award, ULI Chicago / Metropolitan

Planning Council, 2007
Development of the Year (Highest Honor), Greater Chicago
Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2008
Best of Year Award of Merit (Eco: Other), Interior Design
Magazine Best of Year Awards, 2007

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35

Town Hall Apartments

Serving the underserved
Chicago, IL

A 79-unit apartment building next to the Center on Halsted,

Heartland Alliance Town Hall Senior Housing furthers the Centers
mission by providing LGBT-friendly housing for low-income seniors.
While this housing project qualifies for Silver LEED
rating, the more compelling story is its profound
impact on the community. We focused on three
scales of influence: environment, neighborhood,
and personal well-being.
From the beginning of the design process, the
Landscape
community was invited to participate - ensuring
that we designed with a clear understanding of how
the project could support them. We held
community workshops where participants helped
to assess their unique needs, and craft solutions.
B

178' - 0 1/8"

2' - 0 1/2"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

17' - 6"

27 PARKING SPACE

8' - 10 1/2"

WEST ADDISON STREET

24' - 7 5/8"

16' - 2"

17' - 6"

Renovation & Restoration

Interior Design
Community Outreach
LEED Certification

LEED-NC Silver

0.5

It was always clear that this project would be about

more than metrics. It retains the residents
Seven years ago,
completed
connection to their community
andGensler
invites
the the Center on Halsted, a
community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
community in. It provides
a
safe
and
secure
home
persons. Since then Gensler was
tapped to design a senior
adjacenttheir
to the health
Center. The project has three
within the communityhousing
whichfacility
improves
components: a new residential building; a retail porch at
and well-being. Ensuring
the ofresidents
physical
the base
that building;
and an historic police station, which
converted
into community
spaces. As with the Center on
surroundings considerwas
their
physical
health also
Halsted, the design interweaves old and new in a neighborsupports the bigger picture
ofisthe
ofpattern
our of diversity.
hood that
itselfhealth
a complex
planet the larger community.
1

NORTH HALSTED STREET

NEW
CONSTRUCTION
HOUSING WITH
RETAIL PODIUM
2014

26' - 5"

100' - 9 7/8"

ACCESS AISLE

PROPERTY LINE 112.36'

20' - 7"

17' - 11 5/8"

Gensler

Historic Building

11 5/8"

From our research it was clear that there was a

shortage of aordable seniors housing in the city
even more so for the LGBT community. Providing a
place for these seniors to age gracefully in place
reduces their carbon footprint by half and keeps
them connected to a healthy walkable lifestyle with
access to health care and amenities that support
their lives.

36

& Urban Design

Architectural Design

PROPERTY LINE 238.14'

8' - 0"
TYP

HISTORIC
TOWN HALL
RENOVATION TO
NEW COMMUNITY CENTER
2014

Masterplanning

EXISTING 4 STORY CONCRETE PARKING STRUCTURE

51' - 10 1/4"

ACCESS AISLE

Services Provided

EXISTING TWO STORY BLOCK BUILDING

Remaining in your community is possible when

your environment supports a healthful lifestyle.
Chronic respiratory disease is a prominent disease
facing seniors. The building design incorporates
healthy materials and cleaning products that dont
o-gas chemicals that aect respiratory systems, as
well as ensuring a smoke-free building. Theres a
special exercise stair and gym to keep your heart
rate up.

87,000 sq ft

3.5
4

TYPICAL
PLAN
SITE
PLAN

HISTORIC
FACADE
RENOVATION TO
GROCERY STORE +
COMMUNITY
CENTER 2007

NEW
CONSTRUCTION
3-STORY
COMMUNITY
CENTER
2007

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37

Block 37
A breath of fresh air
Chicago, IL

Block 37 is a prominent mixed-use development located in

the heart of Chicagos Loop on a site that was left untouched
and stagnantfor decades.
The development includes retail, entertainment,
dining, a modern CTA transit station (for service
to and from OHare and Midway International
airports), oce space, a television broadcasting
studio and provisions for a future 400-room hotel
tower and a 250-unit residential tower.
Genslers design for the sites retail, entertainment
and transit oerings incorporates the ideas of
transparency and urban art. The goal was to create
a vibrant place that draws visitors in, and our team
was rightly inspired by concepts of reflection
and observation that are woven into Chicagos
acclaimed (and nearby) Millennium Park.

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Gensler

Gensler incorporated a vertical art installation

on Block 37s State Street faade, that includes
projected video imagery of the city. Flanking it
are stainless steel panels that were designed in
a dynamic, undulating, basket-weave pattern to
both reference the surrounding buildings and
streetscape and serve as a framing agent for
the video projections. Visual transparency was
achieved by the multi-layered glass facades and
art installations. This transparency encourages the
public to come inside and experience what the
revitalized block has to oer.

444,623 sq ft
Services Provided
Site Evaluation
Building Consultation
Programming
Master Plannign & Urban
Design
Architectural Design
Interior Architectural Design
Pre-Lease Coordination
Tenant Development
LEED Coordination Services

Gensler

39

CityCentre
Houston, TX

Bringing new life and sophistication to one of Houstons busiest

intersections, CITYCENTRE, a 37-acre mixed-use development,
dramatically transformed the aging Town and Country mall into a
dynamic, upscale urban marketplace.

1,800,000 sq ft
Services Provided
Master Planning / Urban
Design
Architectural Design
Building Consultation

Bordered by the heavily tracked Interstate 10 to

the north and Sam Houston Tollway to the west, the
lifestyle center oers over one million square feet of
premium mixed-use space to Houstons west side.
Extensive research and planning went into the
design of CITYCENTRE. The Gensler team and the
developer visited similar developments around the
country and gathered input from the community
to shape and tailor the space to suit the needs and
desires of the local population. The result is a diverse
collection of buildings bound together by material
and style; a blend of upscale shopping, fine dining,
Class A oces, metropolitan living and world-class
hospitality all within an open-air, pedestrian-oriented
environment that is unmatched in Houston.

40

Gensler

Gensler focused on integrating the center with the

surrounding community. Two major avenues lead
to a green central plaza, the heart of the urban
development. These thoroughfares, lined with retail
tenant buildings, have generous paved sidewalks,
lush landscaping and a streetscape of canopies,
pergolas and arcades to balance the pedestrian
environment with a clearly articulated vehicular
grid. The sites sequential experience was carefully
planned to allow for intuitive circulation, both in
vehicles and on foot. To meet sustainable design and
budgetary goals, Gensler chose to retain the three
parking garages from the existing site to supplement
street parking.

Programming
Architect of Record

Gensler

41

The Genevieve & Wayne Gratz Center

The next 100 years
Chicago, IL

As Fourth Churchs membership and outreach programs grew, it

became increasingly dicult to meet the needs of both the
congregation and community activity in their existing space.
Gensler was brought in to answer the churchs
challenge of how to add on to their facility to look
toward its future without disregarding its historic
past. The new 76,200 square foot building was
designed to tie together the old and the new by
using modern interpretations of the existing gothic
architecture. The addition allows the church to
support a congregation of up to 10,000 members
and to continue to serve the community.
The Gratz Centers design seeks to complement,
not mimic, the original Fourth Church buildings.
Copper adorns the historic church as downspouts,
lanterns and dormers, but in the new addition, the
accessory material becomes the exterior cladding,
drawing the material to the forefront and creating a
foil to the historic church. In contrast to its bustling
location on Michigan Avenue, the inside of the
building oers solace and tranquility, with unique
framed views of the city (including the rooftop and

42

Gensler

steeple of the historic church) and details including

a labyrinth on the Buchanan Chapel floor. The east
and west facades are largely glass, allowing
everyone outside to see the activity of the
classrooms. At night, the internal light of the Gratz
Center gleams like a beacon, backlighting the
original church.

76,000 sq ft
Services Provided
Architectural Design
Planning & Urban Design
Historic Renovation &
Restoration
Strategic Fundraising
Assistance
Community Outreach
Assistance
Interior Architecture
Interior Design

Every detail of the Gratz Center is the result of

countless in-depth interviews by the design team
and real-time feedback from the people who use
the building. A room used for student tutoring can
morph (in a matter of minutes) into one used for
pre-school play activities. To accommodate a
multitude of program needs, interior spaces
transform from quiet to loud, from contemplative
and sacred to exuberant, in order to serve a broad
range of users. The final project is a building that
fits its communitytailored, flexible and adaptable.

Signage & Wayfinding

Design
Brand Design
Environmental Graphic
Design
Product Design (Furniture)
Art Program Consultation
LEED Certification
Certified LEED-NC Silver

Gensler

43

Lake & Forest

Mixed Use Development
Oak Park, IL, USA

Lake + Forest is a Planned Development for a mixed

use residential and commercial development in
downtown Oak Park, IL. The development will
provide Oak Park with 270 higher end rental units
for a broad demographic, 25,000 SF of retail along
Lake Street, and 588 parking spaces. The
development property includes Village property
that has a parking structure that is beyond its
designed life. The new parking structure will replace
the existing Village parking structure, and 300 of
the total spaces will be for public use. The Village is
allowing a 1-to-1 parking to unit ratio for the
residential units, lower than the zoning requires.
The project is within walking distance of public
transportation (trains and bus). The project will be
submitted for LEED Silver.

44

Gensler

506,000 sq ft
Services Provided
Urban Planning
Architectural Design
Interior Architectural Design
Space Planning
LEED Silver Targeted

Gensler

45

McCormick Place Headquarters Hotel

Chicago, IL

The simple yet powerful design of the new McCormick Place

Headquarters Hotel will manifest into an iconic building for
the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and
engage the city of Chicago as a beacon on the South Side. As the
tallest building in the area, the hotel creates a unique and visible
connection to the Loop and the city to the north.

1,200 keys
1,300,000 sq ft
Estimated Completion
2016
Services Provided
Architectural Design
Interior Architectural Design
FF&E

Value Added
The project will serve a catalytic role in revitalizing
the South Side neighborhood
Curtain wall systems reinforce the conceptual
wrapping skin element
The addition of this 1,200 key full-service hotel
will attract more business the existing convention
center
The outdoor/indoor lobby lounge engages the
community
A seamless circulation path between the key
buildings on the campus is created through the
pedestrian bridges
Includes the renovation of the American Book
Company Building which will house the hotels
meeting rooms, administrative program and retail
space

46

Gensler

Program Elements
Indoor/outdoor lobby lounge
Green roof with terrace for events
Rooftop lounge with views of city
Swimming pool
Fitness center
Ballroom
Conference center
Pedestrian bridges to Convention Center
Retail space on ground level

LEED Certification
TBD

Gensler

47

Penn Plaza
Ney York, NY, USA

The objective of this project is to create great public spaces

and amenities to encourage people to increase dwell time and
revitalize Penn Plaza which includes Penn Station and Madison
Square Garden among its tenants.

Services Provided
Urban Planning
Architectural Design

The client seeks to create a vibrant Penn Plaza to

provide a public amenity for New York City as well
as provide an iconic anchor hotel and a new front
door to Penn Station.

ay
adw
Bro

6th Avenue

By virtue of its holdings, one client has the unique

opportunity at Penn Plaza to reimagine the area
as one fully integrated sports and entertainment
district. The goal of the client is to create a place
that serves as an active destination rather than
a pass-through area. We employ several urban
placemaking concepts at use in Manhattan and

7th Avenue

elsewhere at three distinct sites surrounding Penn

Plaza to contain, focus and provide
iconic elements to public space to create an active
neighborhood.

8th Avenue

The neighborhood sees 5,000,000 event-goers

annually, 600,000 daily commuters, 100,000 hourly
pedestrians and 18,000 daily oce employees very
few of whom stay or spend.

New Hotel Icon

Existing Oce Tenant

New Covered Public Plaza

Existing Historical Hotel
Existing Mall

33rd Street

2
Madison Square Garden
Existing
Oce
Tenant

1
2
3
4

Placemaking at
7th Avenue

Activate 33rd
Street Corridor

32nd Street
Experience

1
3

Iconic
Anchor

Existing Historical Building

31st Street

48

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Gensler

49

Confidential Client
Planning and Mixed Use Development
Chicago, IL, USA

This client is in a unique position to transform the neighborhood

adjacent and west of the Chicago Loop. A former television studio
site is one of their latest acquisitions in the neighborhood and the
3.5 acre site has the potential to become the central core of the
area, with up to two million square feet to be developed as hotel,
oce, retail, and residential.
The neighborhood has a long connection to food
production, shipping, processing, bootlegging,
barrel-making, vinegar distillers, feathers, ice
making. Both the client and Gensler are passionate about preserving the areas unique character.
Massing Strategy
We are able to incorporate our full Responsive
Design Strategy for this project. This allows us to
incorporate data from our Analytics group into
our computational model. The model allows for an
infinite number of massing/programming iterations in real-time to test scenarios for massing,
program, construction and financial feasibility.
Design Strategy
The site is located at the nexus of the technology hub that is burgeoning in the West Loop of
Chicago. The site straddles the Citys planned
Innovation District and is adjacent to the historic
Fulton Market district - which is still an operating
market. The area is rich with history and architecture reflective of its industrial connection.
Our market sector analysis reflects that while the
population of Chicago in general has declined by
2%, the population in our area has increased by
10%. Our market is sector is generally younger,
well educated, higher income renters.

3.5 acres
Services Provided
Urban Planning

This mixed-use development has the ability to

draw and connect people through its program and
location and to create rich experiences by creating
a dynamic street life for this neighborhood.
Authenticity
The market area is a place in which traditional and
innovative businesses coexist amid an evolving
mixed use landscape on the edge of downtown. To
ensure the area retains its history, its important
that we protect its fundamental characteristics
- its authenticity of place - yet address its role as
the burgeoning Innovation District in the city.

left: Neighborhood aerial

view;
below: Massing Strategy

MASSING STRATEGY
MASSING STRATEGY

Our client, Sterling Bay is in a unique opportunity to transform and shape a neighbourhood
adjacent to the Chicago Loop. The neighbourhood has a long connection to Food - production,
shipping, processing, bootlegging, barrel-making, vinegar distillers, feathers, ice making.
Harpo Studios is one of their latest acquisitions of many in the neighbourhood. This 3.5 acre site
has the potential to become the central core of the neighbourhood with up to two million square
feet to be developed as hotel, oce, retail, and residential.
We are able to incorporate our full Responsive Design Strategy for this project. This allows us to
concentrate on ensuring the authenticity of the neighbourhood is preserved, while incorporating
data from our Analytics group and our computational model.
The client and Gensler are passionate about preserving the unique character of this
neighbourhood.

We are able to incorporate our full Responsive Design Strategy for this
project. This allows us to incorporate data from our Analytics group
into our computational model.

Massing D
Program
The model allows for an infinite number of massing/programming
iterations in real-time to test scenarios for massing, program,
construction and financial feasibility.

In later phases of design we are also able to optimize building

performance, fenestration and interior experience.

50

Gensler

Harpo Studios

Stadium Shopping Centre Mixed-Use Redevelopment | Gensler | 11

Gensler

51

Navy Pier
Centennial Vision
Chicago, IL

Gensler is currently working as an Executive Architect to the board

of Navy Pier Inc., which manages the pier.

2,000,000 sq ft
Services Provided
Master Planning/

Tucked inside Daniel Burnhams 1909 Plan of

Chicago was the vision for two grand piers. They
broke the divide between land and water and boldly
marched Chicagoand Chicagoansright out into
the citys greatest liquid asset: Lake Michigan.
In 2010, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition
Authority, which owns Navy Pier, hired Gensler
to come up with a master vision that would
refresh the pier as it approaches its 100-year
anniversary and solidify its financial sustainability
for generations to come. The mission was clear:
transform the pier into more of a year-round public
place that attracts more adults and both visitors
to the city and residents alike. The theme park
tenor of the pier would be hushed. The pier would
be repositioned as a world-class public venue that
focuses on celebrating and showcasing the vitality
of Chicago.

Along with extensive greenscaping to make

the pier feel like a grand park, highlights of the
vision include: an expanded childrens museum; an
enhanced Crystal Garden that turns the existing,
lightly-landscaped winter garden into a true indoor
park; a larger venue for the existing Chicago
Shakespeare Theater; a refreshed Ferris wheel and
landscape; a new nighttime entertainment center
on the east end; and more upscale restaurants and
shops throughout.

Urban Design
Master Architecture
Architectural Design

Working with a commissioned study from the

Urban Land Institute and the with the many voices
of pier authorities and advisers including Jones
Lang LaSalle, the developer, Gensler created a
multi-layered vision that is all about connections.
The vision starts with a grander and safer connection
to the surrounding neighborhood of Streeterville
on the west end, and as people move down the pier,
easier and bolder connections to Lake Michigan all
around with sightlines to the water as unobstructed
as possible. Zones defining neighborhoods on the
pier according to programmatic themes give Navy
Pier newfound clarity.
52

Gensler

Gensler

53

Al Maryah Central
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Al Maryah Central is being built as a true next generation

experience center for the people of the Emirates.

4,000,000 sq ft
Services Provided
Architectural Design

The approach to the Al Maryah Central is based on

2 major design drivers. Customer experience and
an overarching metaphor that sets the aesthetic
and provides integrated wayfinding within the mall.
The approach from the customer experience side is
derived from a series of meetings with the client
group to establish goals and aspirations for the
project. We set our findings into a framework that
yielded a roadmap for all design decisions made on
the project.
The roadmap takes into account five main elements
for design: Brand, Technology, Diversity, Culture
and Hospitality. Themes such as dense urban
experience, accessible sophistication and
seamless technology all have become drivers for
the design. These and other overarching ideas are
then paired with a set of five major experiences
that capture all spaces within the mall: Welcome,
Shop, Dine, Engage, and Gather are the foundation
for a design parti that drives the design eort from
large scale planning down to detailed customer
touch points.

Materials such as LED walls and metal panels begin

to shape its identity. The Central atrium with its
grand skylight and elaborate food halls is assigned a
neutral theme of white glass, frit, and a more
contemporary, yet subtle palette of materials. The
end result not only helps to define the materiality
of the spaces, but also provides a sense of place for
customers and tenants.

Signage and Wayfinding

The architecture of the interiors becomes a

powerful wayfindingmechanism that organizes
the visitor movement within the retail center.
From parking to all levels of the center, the diverse
oering of tenants is complimented with integrated
wayfinding and a keen sense of the customer
experience. Al Maryah Central is being built as
a true next generation experience center for the
people of the Emirates.

Given the arrangement of the malls major anchor

tenants on the north and south, a theme is
placed on the opposite mall sides to distinguish
a customers location. The south atrium with
Bloomingdales, Park, and Prayer Center is assigned
a more natural and serene material concept while
the North Atrium with Macys and the Cinemas is
more about energy, dynamism, and the digital age.

54

Gensler

Gensler

55

Abu Dhabi
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11 East Madison Street

Suite 300
Chicago IL 60602
USA
Tel 312. 456. 0123
Fax 312. 456. 0124
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