Kirksey Architecture designed the updated master plan for the new Dow Center corporate campus, which includes a new global headquarters building and a landmark visitor center currently under construction On Monday, July 31, Dow unveiled its new global headquarters in Midland, Michigan. The six-story, 188,000 square-foot campus was a highly anticipated project for the 120-year old company.
 
“This beautiful state-of-the-art facility is more than a new home for a new Dow; it’s a renewal of our commitment to Midland [Michigan] and the Great Lakes Bay Region,” CEO and Dow Chairman Andrew Liveris said in a statement for Midland Daily News.
 
The steel-frame and curtain wall building features a green roof above the cafeteria that will reduce storm water runoff and provides a great view for employees and visitors to the upper floors. The 400-seat cafeteria has state-of-the-art full-service dining options, along with an outdoor dining terrace, and can serve the entire Dow campus. Technology was a priority throughout every aspect of the design, and employees can “plug in” when at the cafeteria or almost anywhere else in the building.
 
The lobby features a monumental entry – a two-story atrium lobby with unique architectural elements – and double-height Novum glass supported by stainless steel cables. This maximizes daylight and views, and ultimately creates a visually transparent connection from the building exterior. A 4,000 square foot town hall meeting space features flexible seating options for a variety of uses.
 
With sustainability a priority, the new Dow headquarters will be 20% more energy efficient, and use 33% less water than a typical code compliant building. The first floor of the building utilizes radiant heating, which is both highly efficient and preferable in terms of indoor air quality. Also, 100% of Dow office spaces will have electricity submeters, allowing for increased awareness of where energy is being consumed and where energy efficiency programs can be targeted.
 
Built to attract and retain top talent, the new Dow campus is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and technology. The new facility is currently seeking LEED certification.
 
“Kirksey is extremely happy to have partnered with Dow on several projects, but especially on the Global HQ project in Midland,” said Brian Richard, Executive Vice President and Science & Technology team leader at Kirksey. “This is a landmark facility and together with the new visitor center that is currently under construction, it will set the bar for what it means to be a Fortune 100 company that serves a global market.”