Ground Breaks on Hoosier Energy Headquarters
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowBloomington-based Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. has broken ground on its new $27 million headquarters. The utility expects the building to be complete by December of next year.
August 13, 2013
News Release
Hoosier Energy broke ground Tuesday, Aug. 13 for its new $27-million headquarters facility in Bloomington.
Hoosier Energy Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith and Chairman James Weimer welcomed local and state officials and other guests to the groundbreaking ceremony. Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, Ninth District Congressman Todd Young and Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan also addressed about 100 guests.
The cooperative power supplier will build an 83,000-square-foot headquarters just northeast of the Tapp Road intersection with St. Rd. 37. More than 115 employees will be based at the facility, which will improve workforce efficiency and meet company needs for many years.
“Electricity is a remarkable product that enables all of us to do what we do nearly every moment of every day,” said Smith. “Keeping the lights on for cooperative consumers is job number one for our members and Hoosier Energy. The facilities we’ll locate at this site will help ensure consumers receive reliable service for decades to come.”
Lt. Gov. Ellspermann thanked Hoosier Energy for its contributions to Indiana including providing low cost power, leadership in economic development and commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Gov. Pence and I know we can depend on your continued commitment to attracting jobs to Indiana and helping to refine the rural infrastructure that is so essential,” Ellspermann said.
The site was selected after an evaluation of several alternatives. Limited space, high remodeling costs, site issues and accessibility ruled out expanding at the current headquarters location north of Bloomington.
The building will have two three-story wings with a central atrium/lobby and board room. The south wing also will have a basement.
Sustainability with minimal environmental impact has been a key consideration in design of the facility including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification. The building will use about half the energy per square foot of current facilities by utilizing Light Emitting Diode lighting, geothermal heating and cooling and other energy efficiency features.
Indianapolis-based F.A. Wilhelm Construction has been selected as general contractor. Schmidt Associates is the architectural firm. Construction will begin immediately with occupancy scheduled for December 2014.
About Hoosier Energy
Hoosier Energy is a generation and transmission cooperative with headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana. The power supply cooperative provides electric power and services to 18 electric distribution cooperatives, which collectively meet the electricity needs of more than 750,000 residents, businesses, industries and farms. Hoosier Energy operates five power stations, two renewable energy power plants and a transmission network that includes 1,700 miles of high-voltage lines, 21 primary substations and more than 350 distribution substations and delivery points.
Hoosier Energy and its members are cooperative businesses that provide reliable, affordable electric power and carry on a long-standing commitment to improve the quality of life in local communities. For more information, visit www.hepn.com.
Source: Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative Inc.