July 26, 2010

McKinstry, a full-service design, build, operate and maintain (DBOM) firm, which    started operations in Spokane in 2002, has announced plans to expand in the City of Spokane, with long-range plans to add 100 new jobs. McKinstry, with over 1,600 employees nationwide and over $400 million in annual revenues, currently has two locations in the Spokane area, but will consolidate both groups into the 103-year-old Great Northern Building located at 802 E. Spokane Falls Blvd in the University District.

Greater Spokane Incorporated has worked closely with McKinstry on its business expansion by providing assistance and incentive opportunities. GSI and McKinstry are also founding members of CLEEN and WCTA – Washington Clean Tech Alliance, working on the advancement of the clean technology/energy efficiency industry in Washington State.  

McKinstry will restore the old brick-walled building demonstrating "new technologies and renewable resources, while maintaining the important historical character of this downtown landmark," says Kim Pearman-Gillman, Business Development Director of McKinstry.

The restoration of the 52,000 square-foot-building will provide office space, an indoor and outdoor café, and a complete workout gym with showers and lockers. In addition, the Great Northern Building will have state-of-the-art energy efficiency infrastructure incorporating elements such as ground source wells and radiant panels, radiant heating/cooling in floor, a cistern, and rooftop solar panels.  

"This project, in the heart of the University District, provides a great opportunity and showcase for McKinstry to demonstrate its well-honed skills at taking and making a historic structure energy efficient.  It is our challenge and firm belief that even very old structures can be made energy efficient," Pearman-Gillman says. With $10 million+ in improvements, the Great Northern Building is targeting LEED Gold certification which, according to Pearman-Gilllman, will "demonstrate energy efficient design in an historic setting and become a place where you can ‘experience’ these technologies in action."

To learn more, visit McKinstry's website at www.mckinstry.com or find them on Greater Spokane Incorporated's new sustainability website www.cleennw.org.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call our team of economic development professionals at 1.800.SPOKANE (1.800.776.5263) and visit our web site at www.greaterspokane.org.