Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, a renovated office building in Eden Prairie, MN, is now home for this newly formed charitable trust. Working with Gensler, the architectural firm, and McGough Construction, the contractor, VAA provided complete structural and civil engineering services for this project.

The two levels of office space, constructed in 1998, span 27,000 square feet, with indoor parking on the lower level. The entire space underwent a total renovation and remodel. Modifications included a feature stair. VAA created this by opening the steel and precast concrete floor structure.

A natural park-like setting located in the Nine Mile Creek watershed, involved extensive site work and landscape design. Working hand-in-hand with a number of permitting agencies, VAA gave considerable attention to satisfying wetland requirements. Native vegetation with low irrigation needs created outdoor spaces for employees to experience.

Sustainability was a driving consideration. VAA integrated many sustainable elements in the design and construction, including a photovoltaic panel array covering most of the roof, rainwater storage tanks, and permeable paver surfaces to allow LEED Gold Certification to be pursued.

Now in operation, this facility provides a comfortable, efficient environment to carry out the Foundation's philanthropic mission. VAA is proud to have been part of this project.