BOSTON, May 26, 2016 — Beacon Capital Partners, LLC (“Beacon”), a leading commercial office investor, is pleased to announce that the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Denver was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED-EB O&M). LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) internationally recognized rating system for design, construction, and operation of the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient, and high-performing buildings.
“Beacon Capital Partners is committed to sustainability and an environmentally responsible approach to building ownership,” said McClure Kelly, Beacon Capital Partners Managing Director. “The team at Wells Fargo Center did a fantastic job undertaking the improvements that enabled us to secure the highly coveted LEED Platinum certification. Not only do these improvements benefit the building, but also benefit the people who work in this building every day.”
Beacon purchased the iconic 52-story building in March 2012 and through a $17 million capital improvement campaign, has transformed it into a Class-A property through modernization of its infrastructure, implementing a series of aesthetic upgrades, offering modern, sought-after amenities, and improving the building’s sustainability.
“LEED certification identifies the Wells Fargo Center as a showcase example of sustainable design and demonstrates Beacon’s leadership in transforming the building industry,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USBGC.
Built in 1983, The Wells Fargo Center is a 1.2 million-square-foot office tower known for its distinctive double-curved crown, and its red granite and glass façade. Large square windows frame spectacular views of the Mile High City and the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Wells Fargo Center offers easy access to major freeways and a variety of public transportation alternatives, making commuting easy and convenient. Large floor plates offer flexible layouts for all tenants, while on-site amenities provide workplace convenience.
In addition to achieving LEED Platinum certification, Wells Fargo Center is ENERGY STAR rated as part of Beacon’s commitment to sustainability. Building upgrades and retrofits improve energy efficiency, conserve resources, and reduce operating expenses. Recycling and composting programs reduce building waste at all levels, and its on-site recycling programs divert more than 50% of building waste. The building’s progressive green cleaning program provides a safe and sustainable work environment. Improvements to HVAC include air 7-zone air handlers, with constant air volume with electric reheat on the perimeter. The cooling system includes four, 900-ton Marley cooling towers located on the roof of the parking garage. Brand new, state-of-the-art elevator technology utilized by the building’s 34 high-speed OTIS elevators results in reduced travel time and 40% energy savings.
About LEED
As the most widely recognized and widely used green building program across the globe, LEED is transforming buildings, homes, and communities in all 50 states and more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. LEED guides the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of more than 69,000 projects worldwide, comprising 12.4 billion square feet of commercial and institutional construction space, and more than 181,000 additional residential units. For a holistic snapshot of the green building movement, check out our LEED in Motion report series, which equips readers with the numbers and insight they need to build a strong case for sustainability.
About Beacon Capital Partners
Beacon Capital Partners is a tenant-focused private real estate investment firm with a 70-year legacy of successful real estate development, ownership, and management. Beacon invests in high-quality office properties in core urban markets with highly-educated workforces. Our hands-on approach transforms these properties for today’s tenants, with innovative design, state-of-the-art connectivity, modern amenities, and award-winning sustainability and risk management initiatives. From Fortune 100 firms to the leading innovative and growth companies, our tenants are proud to call our distinctive workplaces home.
Beacon has raised eight investment vehicles totaling over $12 billion in equity since 1998 from a diverse investor group including endowments, foundations, public, private, and foreign pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds. This equity has fueled 150+ office investments with a projected total value of approximately $30 billion (including leverage and JV partner equity).
For more information, visit www.beaconcapital.com.