MSUFCU employees get glimpse of new facility
MSU Federal Credit Union’s new Headquarters 2 building in East Lansing is taking shape as it nears 65 percent completion, and several employees have already received an exclusive first look at the progress.
Each month, MSUFCU conducts a drawing in which about 10 employees are selected to participate in a personal tour of the new facility under construction.
“The tours provide the opportunity for our employees to be involved in the project,” said April Clobes, MSUFCU president and chief executive officer. “They are able to visualize where their departments will be located. During the tours they are also able to ask questions about the design and construction process from Granger and our architects.”
In-progress construction site tours are becoming increasingly common as owners – including corporate, government and educational – recognize the benefits of showcasing new facilities to employees, students and the public. In addition to providing constituents with a sneak peek into the facilities that will impact how they live, work or receive services, the tours also provide an opportunity for leadership to gather critical feedback.
“These tours provide opportunities for everyone to spend time with me to ask questions about the project or any other topic related to the credit union,” Clobes said. “We ask the employees about the workspace and listen to their feedback.”
Since breaking ground on the three-story, 186,350 square-foot facility in April 2015, approximately 95,000 worker hours have been logged, 5,800 cubic yards of concrete has been poured and the building will be completely enclosed prior to winter.
During a recent tour, as MSUFCU employees walked along the westward-facing side of the building on the third floor, they could see large window frames that will contain a high-profile radiused curtainwall facing the campus pond and the existing headquarters building.
“As an employee that won’t be working in the new building, I appreciate that I feel a part of the expansion process through these tours,” said MSUFCU employee Adrienne Hall.
The front of the building will feature a unique V tube structure that will serve as the main entrance. Extensive use of windows throughout will provide natural lighting for energy efficiency and plenty of beautiful outdoor views.
Construction is slated for completion in March 2017. The new building, located on the current headquarters campus in East Lansing, will accommodate up to 564 employees working within IT, mortgage, maintenance, training, call center, e-services, and many other departments that provide back-office support to its branches and the Credit Union as a whole.
The building is targeted for LEED Gold Certification, meaning it is designed for a 25% reduction in utility expenditures compared to existing offices. It features a large number of energy efficiency and sustainability items, including natural day lighting, LED fixtures, high-efficiency mechanical equipment and low-flow plumbing.
“During the tours, it’s been very interesting to hear from the construction team, architects, and Credit Union leaders about how they are creating a building that is environmentally friendly, offers unique workspaces and communal areas, and considers the needs and wants of employees,” said Hall.
Other amenities include a paved walking trail around the 7-acre campus, a fitness center, wellness rooms, game room, cafe and fueling stations.
