CoreNet Global Selects Georgia-Pacific Center as New Headquarters

'Moving in the Right Direction' Workplace Transformation Project Highlights July 2011 Move

Leading Global Association for Corporate Real Estate Decision Makers Maintains Downtown Atlanta Presence

ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CoreNet Global, the world's leading professional association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals, has selected the Georgia-Pacific Center in downtown Atlanta as its new headquarters location.

CoreNet Global members with expertise in designing and implementing cutting-edge workplaces are donating their time, knowledge and products to the build-out of new office space. The end result will showcase a state-of-the-art work environment in terms of planning, interior design, sustainability, flexibility, collaboration, openness, technology, furnishings, light, ventilation, and other features.

The project, known as "Moving in the Right Direction," will result in a truer representation of the CoreNet Global brand reflecting the many innovations and best practices surrounding the art and science of today's built and virtual work environments.

"The main goal is to move toward an open, collaborative environment that supports teamwork along with the brand identity and culture of our membership," according to CoreNet Global CEO Angela Cain. "The response to our call for help has been phenomenal, with an impressive array of members and their companies stepping up to transform our global headquarters into a progressive workplace. That's why we're calling this important change 'Moving in the Right Direction.'"

CoreNet Global, which has been based in downtown Atlanta since September 2002, is maintaining its presence in the Central Business District, as the selection of the new location shows. The move to the 30th floor of the Georgia-Pacific Center from the group's existing downtown location at 260 Peachtree Street will take place in July, 2011, according to Cain.

The group's long-term current lease of 12,000 square feet is ending and afforded the opportunity to combine a workplace transformation with a new lease of less than 10,000 square feet. The new, seven-year lease will reduce space usage by 17 percent.

The availability of an open floor plate and competitive leasing rates were key factors in the decision by CoreNet Global to relocate. Another major plus is the renovation of the interior public spaces within the 51-story, 1.12-million-square-foot Georgia-Pacific Center at 133 Peachtree Street by the building's owners, Georgia-Pacific LLC and MetLife.

CoreNet Global COO Larry Bazrod oversaw the development, negotiation and finalization of the lease with support from CoreNet Global members.

More than 70 members from upwards of 50 companies have been involved since the project's inception in April 2010. According to project manager Tim Venable, Vice President of Knowledge Services at CoreNet Global, "We've seen about 25 core contributors thus far from our membership, and there's more to come as the process unfolds toward the July move-in date."

Three teams were formed in September to organize the project work: Needs Assessment, Communications & Change Management, and Design, with the Communications & Change Management team coordinating the independent workstreams, Venable adds.

"The Needs Assessment team kicked off the project and managed the implementation of a pre-occupancy workplace survey and technology assessment survey. Feedback was solicited of CoreNet Global employees that would help inform the design process," Venable says.

"The Communications & Change Management group will have a role throughout the workplace transformation process. They will help us marry our business goals with our desire for organizational change, and assist us with internal employee communication and messaging to members and the world beyond," Venable also says.

And the Design team is already at work, building on the early, preliminary design and incorporating key findings from the other teams. "All the design specialists who've contacted us about the project have been invited to participate," Venable notes. After the design is complete, the project moves into the Construction phase.

"Connecting, learning, growing and belonging are integral to CoreNet Global's culture, so a variety of more open, informal meeting spaces will provide opportunities for these types of interactions to occur," relates John Campbell of the project Design Team. The new location will also include group and individual spatial features like a Town Center, Collaboration Room, Studio, Den, Enclave and Concierge.

CoreNet Global is the world's leading association for corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace professionals, service providers, and economic developers. Nearly 7,000 members, who include 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Forbes Global 2000, meet locally, globally and virtually to develop networks, share knowledge, learn and thrive professionally. For more information, visit www.corenetglobal.org.

SOURCE CoreNet Global