Cummins Inc. hasn't revealed even a back-of-the-napkin sketch of what its regional headquarters in Downtown Indianapolis might look like, but one thing is certain at this point:
It won't be locally designed.
The engine maker said today it's picked three small to mid-sized New York City architectural firms to compete for the contract to design the $30 million multi-story building [...].
The competitors are Deborah Berke Partners, SHoP Architects, and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.
— indystar.com
Here's some additional information about the Indianapolis office design competition we've received directly from Cummins Inc.:
"The design competition engages design and architecture experts to assist in delivering on the Company’s goals to construct a building that enhances the community, creates a productive workplace for Cummins employees and reflects Cummins’ mission and values. [...]
The winning architect will be announced in September and selected based on a number of factors including their ability to align with Cummins values, deliver on the vision of the building, and assemble a diverse team. [...]
Cummins initially announced plans to build its new Indianapolis office in March of 2014. Cummins will build on approximately four acres that previously housed a portion of Market Square Arena and expects to break ground in early 2015 and open in late 2016. The company’s plan for the site includes an office building with ground floor retail, a flexible learning center, public green space and a parking garage on parcels bordered by Market, Alabama, Washington, and New Jersey Streets. Cummins global corporate headquarters will remain in Columbus, where the company was founded 95 years ago."
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said: “Cummins has a long tradition of facilitating tremendous architectural elements in the communities where its employees live and work, and we are thrilled they are committed to doing the same in Indianapolis. Their presence will serve as a positive influence in our city.”
6 Comments
Anyone who knows anything about the history of Cummins, it's foundation, and the last 70 years of history of the town of Columbus, Indiana understands why "Cummins to use New York architect!" is the opposite of news...
Cummins cares about quality design from currently important designers, that means maybe not the firms that are working in Indianapolis right now, maybe not the firms you or I work for. In Cummins' case, and maybe only theirs, I think they have a proven record that makes that OK by me, though it would have been nice to see them reach out to even less-established names.
Matt, it's news to those of us that live in Naptown and rarely see SHoP/Berke/TWBTA-caliber architecture being built within the city. In fact it's SPECTACULAR news! Any one of these firms will produce a fantastic building, I am sure of it. I couldn't be more excited.
Also I've met someone from each firm and they are all lovely, friendly, engaged and honest people. Perhaps Cummins was looking for a firm that is nice, as well as talented!
there are plenty of buildings in Columbus that weren't done by "New York" architects.
Had to chime in here too, very excited about the prospect of a building PARTICULARLY by one of these offices in our city. These architects are definitely among my "A" list. Thank you Cummins!
Great picks, though at well over 100 employees, I would no longer consider SHoP small to mid-sized.
Update: Cummins chooses Deborah Berke.
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