Headquarters Renovation

Geiger, a global distributor of promotional products and well-known publisher of the Farmers’ Almanac, completed an overhaul to its Lewiston, Maine headquarters in June 2018.

The renewed $12,000,000 facility is a 56,000-SF conversion of vacant factory area to modern office space, while the balance of the 105,000-SF building remained the company’s warehouse and shipping center. Implementing an environmentally-conscious design was critically important to Geiger. Minimizing waste, incorporating re-purposed materials, and integrating renewable energy was desired to achieve a low carbon footprint facility.

Geiger engaged the design team in 2014 to provide a masterplan of the site, assessing various options to help understand potential development of unused portions or reconfiguring the building. The design team conducted a thorough survey of existing conditions and identified numerous deficiencies in the building including the need for a complete roof replacement, window replacement, inefficient HVAC and control systems, and electrical wiring that was past its useful life. Structurally, most of the building did not meet current codes and required reinforcement during alterations, while the building envelope was inefficient and leaking energy.

A new displacement ventilation HVAC system utilizing less energy and natural convection resulted in substantially improved indoor air quality, while an improved building envelope and proper insulation provided greater thermal comfort. Solar panel arrays were situated on the south facing lawn and provide 90% of the building’s energy needs. Designed for LEED Gold certification, the facility has achieved Tier2 Maine Advanced Building designation. Site development included considerations for best site access, building orientation, expanded parking, and a secondary “front façade” that faces the Maine Turnpike.

Tasked with creating a modern, open office design that reflected their brand, the designers worked to open up the office area, allowing for more abundant natural light via large, energy-efficient windows. The re-imagined workplace is a dynamic commercial environment that also honors Geiger’s history as publishers of the Farmers’ Almanac. The design incorporates a variety of workspaces that encourage collaboration as well as focused work. The re-imagined space is open with collaborative zones, featuring vibrant color and furnishings. A central corridor creates departmental “neighborhoods,” and circulation paths funnel toward the café “town square” where employees can gather and collaborate.

The building exterior is a streamlined composition of metal panels and colorful entrances, punctuated by a translucent tower with colored LED lights, visible from the Maine Turnpike, and features walking trails and a staff plaza for pleasant weather outdoor dining.