Mercedes-Benz USA Selects Gensler As Architect For New Atlanta Headquarters Facility

MONTVALE, N.J., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced it has selected Gensler as the architecture firm for its new headquarters facility in metro Atlanta. Gensler will design an approximately 250,000-square-foot office building that will house around 1,000 MBUSA employees upon its completion in 2018.

"We talked to many, many firms and saw some amazing designs, but Gensler was the one that stood out for us," said MBUSA President and CEO Stephen Cannon. "They understood our brand and our culture, along with the ambitious goals we have for the next chapter of Mercedes-Benz in this market, and they were able bring that to life in their designs."

MBUSA selected Gensler from a dozen global design firms for its creative building concept, which seamlessly integrates functionality and the beautiful surrounding landscape. An Atlanta-based taskforce will manage the project in collaboration with their national team. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the first half of 2016.

"We're proud to help MBUSA realize its vision for a new headquarters in Atlanta," said Stephen Swicegood, FAIA, principal and co-managing director of Gensler's Atlanta office. "We'll draw on our local talent and our global expertise in designing workspaces that both inspire people to do their best work and reflect the character and sensibilities of the local community."

Gensler is the world's leading collaborative design firm, serving more than 2,300 clients

in 114 countries, with practice areas ranging from sports arenas to defense and aerospace facilities to mixed-use developments. In addition to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world, Gensler projects include the 2016 Rio Olympic Games master plan, the Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport and corporate offices for Facebook, the Coca-Cola Company and General Electric.

MBUSA's headquarters facility will rest on a 12-acre parcel at the corner of Abernathy and Barfield roads in Sandy Springs, one of Atlanta's largest and most sought-after commercial districts. Beginning in July, employees will transition from MBUSA's current headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, to interim office space at Sterling Pointe II in Dunwoody, about two miles from the future headquarters site. Gensler is also outfitting MBUSA's temporary space.

MBUSA expects to hire several hundred employees from the Atlanta region in the months ahead. It has set up a recruitment site at www.mbatlantacareers.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

About Gensler

Gensler is a global design firm grounded in the belief that great design optimizes business performance and human potential. Our 4,800 practitioners networked across 46 offices use global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. Whether we are refreshing a retailer's brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building, we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful.

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SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA