The Construction Source America

March 2015 | Business World 215 Hammer explains that their plan was to re- tain the historic aesthetic of the architec- ture, while fully retrofitting the interiors to achieve their goal of being a leader in energy efficiency once again. “Our basic premise was that it’s going to be a historic building on the outside,” she says. “But on the inside it’s going to be like a brand new building. And that’s exactly what we got from the mechanical systems, to the elevator modernization, to the lighting in the com- mon areas and the toilet rooms. Everything was as good, if not better, than a brand new building.” The strong focus on sustainability and seek- ing out energy efficiencies is not a new con- cept for AMA Plaza or its General Manager. In her more than 30 years of experience in property management, Hammer has worked at many buildings aroundChicago, affirming that attention to the environment is some- thing of a necessity in commercial real estate. “This is not a new thing for us or for me per- sonally for that matter,” she explains.”I think that part of my personality and my business sense, as well as the real estate industry in Chicago, is very environmentally conscious.” “It has evolved from simply recycling,” she continues. “To if you do not have an energy or sustainability consciousness, you’re not going to be able to compete in the real estate world.” ENERGY EFFICIENCY EFFORTS Improvements made to AMA Plazaranged frommechanical system and electrical distri- bution upgrades for the tenant office floors, to a redevelopment of the executive parking garage, a fire alarm retrofit, a new café and fitness center, and an elevator moderniza- tion. This also meant upgrading the ventila- Building Value Through Expert Facility Services Outsourcing non-core functions can lower your costs, increase efficiency and improve performance. Gain value for your building and business with ABM as your facility solutions partner. Call us today at 800-874-0780 for stand-alone or integrated facility services, always customized to your needs. ©2015 ABM Industries Inc. All Rights Reserved