80-Year Old Building Earns 'Double-Platinum'

LANSING, Mich. — A building erected in 1928 has become the first structure to get LEED certified under two different rating systems.

The Christman Building, formerly known as the Mutual Building, earned LEED-Platinum certification under the Commercial Interiors (CI) and Core and Shell programs.

SmithGroup, one of the country’s largest architectural firms, oversaw the renovation of the 80-year old building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The firm was able to preserve several original features, such as exterior limestone detailing and Pewabic tiled stairways.

To make the building operate in ways that were more environmentally friendly, the company included features that reduce waste, water and energy consumption, and increase daylighting and indoor air quality.

"The Christman Company and its design partner SmithGroup are to be congratulated for achieving LEED Platinum certification for both The Christman Building and its office space, " said Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. "The best-practices case of The Christman Building has helped expand the boundaries of what's possible in high-performance, energy-efficient building, and should provide an inspiration for others."