“The opportunity to redevelop this site into a world-class, environmentally sustainable workplace for our expanding employee base was made possible through a unique collaboration with the private and public sectors," said Jerzy Gruhn, president of Novo Nordisk. "It is consistent with how we conduct business in a financially, environmentally and socially responsible way--what we call our ‘triple bottom line.’ This is great for us, for patients and for New Jersey."

LCOR and Ivy Equities will undertake a complete rehabilitation of the building. Granum A/I is the project's exterior design architect, while HOK is serving as the architect of record.

"At a time when construction levels are at an all-time low, and more companies are consolidating than expanding, the significance of this project and its far-reaching impact on New Jersey’s economic growth and job creation cannot be understated," said Anthony P. DiTommaso, Jr., co-CEO of Ivy Equities.

The development team plans to pursue LEED certification for the project, utilizing such sustainable factors as rehabbing an existing structure, incorporating water and energy conservation, maximizing light and air quality and sourcing materials within a 50-mile radius. Energy costs should be reduced by at least 30%, the team said.

"We view this project as a potential trend-setter. With sustainability emerging as a critical, national priority, we anticipate that more developers will give fresh consideration to gut rehabilitation initiatives such as this," stated LCOR executive vice president Kurt M. Eichler.

Plainsboro Mayor Peter Cantu indicated that the township is excited about the commitment of Novo Nordisk to the area. "This site will be a center of unsurpassed achievement and job creation," Cantu said. "Our citizens will look at it as a symbol of what can be attained through hard work, collaboration and innovation."