C.W. Brown completes new 10,000 s/f environmentally-friendly headquarters in Armonk

C. W. Brown Inc. recently celebrated its new innovative and environmentally-friendly headquarters. The facility is a next-generation "showcase" which is comprised of a wide spectrum of earth-friendly products and is aiming towards LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Platinum certified. Platinum is the highest LEED certification standard in the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system. C.W. Brown will be the first building in Westchester County to achieve this distinction. Combining innovation with superb construction management and carpentry trade-skills, uniquely defines C.W. Brown in the industry. C.W. Brown has an expert team that operates efficiently, using project management expertise to exceed expectations, meeting budgets and deadlines. The new building was completed in 88 days, from a total gutting to move-in ready. Assistant project manager, Tom Mannion, attributes the success of the project to the synergies between C.W. Brown and their subcontractors. From the start, Teal Postula, project architect from Dennis Noskin Architects, nailed the design. The husband and wife team, Renee Brown, CEO, and Charles Brown, president, agrees that in addition to the physical relocation, the move was a social one as well. C.W. Brown is proud to be both a Women Owned and Employee Owned company. "We are proud of our accomplishment and want to share not only the beauty of our new facilities, but more importantly, we want the community to feel a part of the sustainable process. Our previous facility was also a showcase of construction methods that displayed a variety of industry manufacturers' products and technologies. Our new space offers the same to our clients. They are welcome to come in and experience how a certain product feels in a space. This is important to us, so that our clients become familiar with new sustainable products that are emerging in the market," says Renee Brown. Guests at the open house were welcomed by a reception area that displays reclaimed wood from an old New England paper mill, countertops made from recycled car windshields and mirrors, and natural cork floors, which is a rapidly renewable wood source. They had the opportunity to tour the building that boasts sustainable details like high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems, daylighting systems that brighten corridor spaces with natural light, and a 60 kW solar photovoltaic roof system that produces enough energy to run their office space. The outdoors have certainly been brought inside with textures and designs that mimic nature, and colors like sage green, chestnut brown, and golden sand. "Part of our green initiative," said Charles Brown, "is to make our building a knowledge center for green building concepts for design and construction professionals, as well as students at local high schools and universities. We have recently registered as a USGBC Education Provider and will be offering course programs where LEED professionals can earn continuing education credits. We think it is critical for us to share our knowledge with others, especially with the younger generations. Just as we teach them, they enlighten us in the greater scheme of our environmental consciousness." As business for many in the construction industry declined during the recent economic recession, C.W. Brown grew steadily. C.W. Brown turned up the heat on their strategic thinking, ready to be stronger than ever before. Launching a satellite office in Downtown Stamford and in Mid-Town Manhattan, C.W. Brown is ready to expand again. "We started this company from the basement of our home in 1984. A lot has changed since then," said Renee. "In order to keep up with the rapid pace of changes in technology in the design and construction industry, we encourage a work environment that offers an open exchange of ideas. By increasing our presence in the Tri-State area, we are ready to better serve our clients and make ourselves accessible to them. We realize they are affected by the same changes and we want them to know that we understand how to address their needs. As an organization, we are committed to our clients as well as the future or our environment."