InMotion - July 2012
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1000 Eaton Blvd.
1000 EATON BLVD.
InMotion - July 2012
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"Breathtaking, unique and one of
a kind" ... that's how the team of
architects, space planners and
Eaton employees dedicated to
building our new headquarters
describe the project site and the
new building.
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The Vision for Eaton’s Future Taking Shape in New Headquarters
Eaton’s vision for a new headquarters began many years ago when the company commissioned a
study to consider the renovation of its offices at Eaton Center. But in the end, the plan did not meet
the company’s future growth plans or provide the functionality it desired. Functionality was critical,
such as being a single-tenant location to allow Eaton to manage building access and services.
Equally as important was the goal to create a highly interactive, energy efficient campus
environment. There was a range of passions about where business should be conducted. In the end Eaton
determined that an ideal location would incorporate nature and feature an open interior building
design. The 1000 Eaton Boulevard site in Chagrin Highlands that was selected is conveniently located with
access to major freeways. It is transforming into a one-of-a-kind destination, with convenient access
to medical services, hotels, restaurants, and other service organizations.
Eaton’s roots are in the city, but there is a visual connection from the building to Cleveland. When
you drive onto the site the building appears welcoming and majestic with the wings representing
outstretched arms. The project is visible, exposed and inviting but the natural elements at the site
create a safe and secure environment.
Pictured left to right are Todd
Johnson, Design Workshop and Bill
Chilton, Pickard Chilton at the Eaton
Headquarters construction site.
Pickard Chilton has designed
over 25 million square feet of
Gold LEED certified office
space. Click here to visit Pickard Chilton's
website and see a portfolio of their
work.
“Breathtaking, unique and one of a kind” that’s how the team of architects, space planners and
Eaton employees dedicated to building our new headquarters describe the project site and new
building. Sue Cook, Eaton vice president of facilities planning, oversees the team committed to building
Eaton’s new headquarters and has been involved in every detail of the new building including
choosing soap dispenser finishes.
Cook was up for the challenge, which began when Sandy Cutler asked her to lead the project in
2010. In recent years she remodeled Eaton House and the 26th floor of Eaton Center. She enjoys
the work and notes that this project has been special from the start. “Our project team is so detailoriented and committed to a quality project. We operate the project in accordance with Eaton’s
values and are laser focused on creating a great work environment for employees.”
A Natural and Sustainable Design
“In the design phase, we considered where the building should sit on the site, how it should integrate
into the existing natural features and how it could meet Eaton’s sustainability objectives,” said
project landscape architect Todd Johnson. “You have opportunities with this site because it sits on
one of the highest ridges in the county.”
Design and construction of the building is overseen by a partnership between KA Architecture and
Pickard Chilton Architects.
“You approach the building from miles away,” says Pickard Chilton principal Bill Chilton. “The site is
elevated, which gives the building incredible prominence. The way it relates to the city and anchors
the east side of Cleveland is very unique.”
“With this site the opportunities are abundant,” says Johnson. “Inside the building you have a
http://wcm-prod-cs.etn.com/1000EatonBlvd/InMotion-July2012/index.htm[7/16/2012 9:23:30 AM]
Anna Dodson, manager of American
Interiors' Cleveland office.
Click here to take a Virtual Tour of
1000 Eaton Boulevard. InMotion - July 2012
tremendous open environment for employees that will lead to interaction and collaboration. Outside
the building you have tremendous landscape and opportunities for employees to engage with
nature. Obviously those opportunities wouldn’t be available if you were in a downtown office
building.”
Just Like Eaton, Our Building’s Open and Transparent
Openness and transparency are key values for Eaton and those values are expressed in the site
location and design of the building.
The trend toward open interactive spaces in the work place is being driven by technology and
generational changes. Employees desire a collaborative work environment.
The headquarters will feature a variety of flexible space designed to accommodate the different
ways employees work. Employees have a private work environment or if they prefer, they can take
advantage of casual seating around the building.
The building features abundant small, medium and large conference rooms as well as huddle rooms
-- spaces for smaller meetings. Break out areas for informal meetings are also located throughout
the building. They feature soft seating areas with tables and outlets for laptops.
The current trend in contemporary office furniture is a lower horizon in the workplace to enhance
natural light and do away with that boxed-in feeling. Moving to a new office environment can be disconcerting for employees. Routinely, employees who
are new to the open work environment are concerned about noise and a lack of privacy. “Eaton put
a lot of thought into that and it’s a key reason they chose Knoll furniture and fabrics,” said Anna
Dodson, manager of American Interiors’ Cleveland office. American Interiors represents Knoll and several other furniture lines. Eaton selected Knoll products
because the company is a recognized leader in the industry and because of the quality of their
manufacturing process.
Knoll has conducted studies on office behavior in a lower panel horizon work environment. They find
that when you lower the panel height – employees lower their voices – people adjust to their work
environment. The materials and fabrics (carpet, ceiling and panels) are designed to reduce noise.
And, the panels are about 42 inches high to maintain privacy.
Environmentally Sound, Sustainably Strong
From the beginning, Eaton stressed a great sensitivity to develop an environmentally sound site.
Although the building is all glass – the materials are such that it doesn’t negatively impact energy
efficiency. You don’t have to choose between enhanced daylight for employees or energy
efficiency. A company’s commitment to sustainability is an important part of attracting and retaining
employees. “Employees are in tune with a company’s commitment to sustainability,” said Chilton.
“They are worried about the work environment they want a quality environment including interior
materials, mechanical systems and building design. They want a healthy building.”
Eaton will apply for LEED Gold Status for its new headquarters. LEED certification provides
independent, third-party verification that a building meets the highest green building performance
measurements.
“There’s another aspect of a healthy building and that’s how people engage with the building and
the site,” says Johnson. “When you have an open work environment like Eaton’s you encourage
chance encounters to meet new people at work. If you see people, there’s a good chance you’ll get
to know them and share ideas to collaborate. A healthy building connects people socially.”
Design Details Create a Unique Work Environment
Employees will be surprised at how open and bright the parking garage is. It features terrific sight
lines and plenty of up close convenient, covered, free parking for everyone.
The headquarters has centrally located stairs that are delightful spaces. Solid glass looking out to
the woods, it’s a space you want to be in and is another reason to walk, as opposed to taking the
elevator.
A consultant assisted in selecting art for the new building. Artists from over 20 countries where
Eaton does business were selected to help demonstrate the global nature of our company. Several
Cleveland artists are featured, including Dana Oldfather, widely considered one of the region’s most
outstanding contemporary artists – and her mother just happens to work in the Eaton accounting
department. The fitness center features floor to ceiling windows with abundant natural lighting and views to the
woods in two directions. The fitness center will exceed 30,000 square feet and will likely be among
the nicest fitness centers in corporate America.
The hallway that leads to the lobby consists of lenticular panels featuring Eaton products and
prominently feature the Eaton brand and values.
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InMotion - July 2012
The atrium is a five story wall of glass that will serve as a spectacular space for employees to
gather, be seen and see others. From the lobby, you see bridges connecting the north and south
wings of the building. Visitors will see a hub of activity and employees will benefit from the
opportunity for chance encounters. The lowest bridge in the lobby will have paneling with the core
values embedded in lettering.
The Eaton experience center will be a showcase for Eaton power management products. This highly
innovative, highly interactive and collaborative experience is an opportunity to build long-term
partnerships with our customers and guests.
The dining conservatory boasts beautiful tile, natural light, floor to ceiling windows and seating areas
outdoors with great views of the woods. The global nature of the company will be demonstrated throughout the building. One example is that
the walking trails have markers for each country where Eaton does business. The current schedule contemplates move dates in February 2013 but it is subject to change. The
company will host employee receptions just prior to the move, to familiarize employees with the site
building and workspace.
Pickard Chilton has designed over 25 million square feet of Gold LEED certified office space all
over the world. “As I think about the projects that are most memorable – it’s not about the
architecture, it’s about the people,” says Chilton. The experience of working with Eaton and the
construction team has been delightful. We will be thrilled to see the building open and employees
using the space, but in a way, we want to keep this project going, we don’t want it to end.”
“This project will make a huge impact on northeast Ohio and really change how employees in our
area will use the workspace,” adds Dodson. “The design sets it apart from any other office space in
Cleveland. This building will show people how an office environment should be.“
Last Updated Date: 7/10/12
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