Easter Seals Nabs LEED Certification

CHICAGO-Easter Seals has recently received the distinction of becoming Willis Tower’s first tenant to achieve LEED certification. The nonprofit moved into the former Sears Tower late last year, after signing a lease in 2007 to move into 25,400 square feet on the iconic building’s 24th floor. In relocating to the tower from its previous location in 23,000 square feet at 230 W. Monroe St., where it had been based for 14 years, the organization prioritized the implementation of sustainable practices.

“We had two top priorities as we looked to move our headquarters operations,” Easter Seals COO Don Jackson says. “First, we wanted to assure that we were fully accessible for our staff and the people with disabilities we serve and, second, we were looking to do business in an environmentally friendly manner. It was the right thing to do.”

The firm achieved the LEED Silver rating for efforts including recycling during construction; designing the space to utilize natural light; and reusing doors, ceiling tiles, lighting, hardware, and furniture and furnishings from the old office. In developing its new space, Easter Seals worked with the SmithGroup on architecture and design, Environmental Design Services’ engineers and general contractor Clune Construction Co.