IAR Headquarters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2007
Contact: Mary Schaefer [1], 217-529-2600

New IAR Building Fact Sheet

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– The Illinois Association of REALTORS (IAR) new building is a three-story structure located at 522 S. Fifth Street, within three blocks of the State Capitol and across the street from the Illinois Executive Mansion in the zoned H-2 historic district of downtown Springfield. The building replaces a surfaced parking lot, in place at the location since 1957, and will add vitality to the area and an active REALTOR presence in the business community with close proximity to the State Capitol.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Size: 30,000 square feet
• Cost: $7.1 million
• Design Architect: Melotte Morse Leonatti, Ltd. of Springfield, Ill.
• Developer: BRH Builders and Constructors, Springfield, Ill.
• Occupancy: Spring 2007
• Financing: Central Laborers’ Pension Fund in Jacksonville, Ill., through Geneva Mortgage and Security Bank of Springfield

AESTHETICS

The three-story design of the new IAR headquarters incorporates modern materials which reference nearby historic buildings such as the Executive Mansion and commercial buildings in the downtown area. The 21st century design of the building includes unique features such as the exterior face brick and stone banding to echo historic details in an urban context. A curved glass curtain wall in front offers views of the State Capitol. The circular exterior plaza is ringed with historic yet contemporary stone pylons to complement the downtown streetscape with its own unique column-top globe lighting. Views from the private offices and public spaces are focused towards the Capitol. The building has a third floor 2,900-square-foot multipurpose meeting room with an adjacent 1,400-square-foot-outdoor deck facility that offers panoramas of the Executive Mansion and views to the State Capitol.

Energy-Saving "Green" Features:

The building utilizes a TPO roof membrane for heat reflectance. The exterior windows and glazing walls are partially reflective, solar shield, high R-rated system filmed glass panel to reduce solar loads by 32 percent. The building is equipped on all floors with energy sensors and occupancy sensors to control lighting loads in transient and low-occupancy spaces.

IAR COMMITMENT

The new building makes a statement about IAR's commitment to participate actively in state policy making. IAR is the sixth largest state REALTOR association with more than 60,000 members and is recognized as a leader in advocacy for private property rights.