01/15/2013 - Renovation transforms commute into downtown (News)
After standing vacant for nearly five years, the former Unocal/Chevron building at 909 West Ninth Avenue has been completely transformed into a modern, efficient building as the new headquarters for NANA Development Corporation. For those accessing downtown on L Street the project has created a new gateway facility into downtown Anchorage. With new amenities and building systems, the building is now home to one of the largest Alaska Native regional corporations in the state.
NANA is in the process of moving 145 employees into the 6-floor, 55,000 sq. ft. facility, and is combining four of the corporation’s current Anchorage offices under one roof. Dave Springgate, Senior Vice President and Chief Performance Officer, was one of the first staff members to move in.
“Our new office is spectacular,” Springgate said. “Few things worth doing come easily; but the end result is reflective of NANA and where our people come from.”
Alaska developer Mark Pfeffer is the managing member of an investor group that purchased the building. The ownership group then retained Pfeffer Development, LLC to renovate the property.
Together with the project investors, Pfeffer Development secured project financing and negotiated the long-term lease of the facility to NANA. Criterion General, Inc. and kpb architects served as the design-build team. The project commenced in March and was completed in October, on time and within budget.
“Originally built in 1969, the building contained numerous hazardous materials, which were completely abated as part of the project,” Pfeffer said. “The retrofit included demolition of all building components, with only the steel and concrete structural systems remaining.”
New exterior high performance glass, mechanical systems and electrical systems were installed. Completely new interiors provide a dynamic workplace for NANA Development employees. The retrofit included the addition of a cantilevered boardroom, a large meeting space and multiple conference rooms for breakout meetings.
Clear interior walls and nine-foot sliding glass doors provide all employees access to natural light and cross views across each floor. NANA Development team members will be able to gather, communicate and collaborate in open coffee areas on every floor. Employees and visitors can purchase fresh and healthy food from a new marketplace on the ground level.
The corporation’s heritage in Northwest Alaska is incorporated throughout the building. Interior graphics were inspired by qupak patterns of black and white calfskin, which trim Iñupiaq fur parkas. In the main lobby, a zinc wall was custom designed as large-scale art that also evokes a qupak pattern.
NANA Development anticipates completing the move to their new building by the end of January.