The Denver office of national law firm Polsinelli Shughart PC announced today that it has submitted an application to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) commercial interiors certification for its new office space at 1515 Wynkoop St. in the historic Lower Downtown District (LoDo). The application is believed to be the first submitted to USGBC by a Denver law firm for new office space.
“Our application for LEED certification demonstrates the firm’s commitment to the sustainable, responsible revitalization of LoDo,” said Gene Commander, shareholder and vice chair of Polsinelli Shughart’s construction practice group. “LoDo is an incredible location for our employees and our law firm, and we look forward to being part of the ongoing economic redevelopment and growth in this historic district.”
The new office features sustainable materials and energy-efficient office equipment and electrical, lighting, heating and cooling systems. The building core and shell has achieved LEED NC gold certification. Acquilano Leslie, a Denver-based design firm specializing in office interior architecture, incorporated sustainable concepts throughout the Polsinelli Shughart space, which was built by J. E. Dunn Rocky Mountain, Inc.
“By incorporating sustainability into the design and construction of their workplace, Polsinelli Shughart is presenting a progressive image that is important in today’s competitive business environment,” said Owen Leslie, AIA, president of Acquilano Leslie. “Law firms across the Front Range are developing more interest in integrating sustainable design concepts into their workspace, but Polsinelli Shughart has expressed a deeper commitment by being the first law firm in Denver to submit an application for LEED certification.”
Polsinelli Shughart signed a 12-year lease earlier this year with developer Hines Interests LP for 38,000 square feet on the sixth floor of the eight-story building, which is located in a mixed-use district with restaurants, business services, retail, residential and Union Station. The agreement, which includes options to lease the entire 47,000 square foot floor and to extend the term to more than 20 years, was brokered by Studley. .
“The modern law firm is keenly interested in recruiting and retaining key employees, and Polsinelli Shughart understands the value of creating a healthy, environmentally friendly office space,” said Robert N. Link, executive vice president and branch manager for Studley. “Law firms that look only at bottom line costs are missing the boat – Polsinelli Shughart was smart to select a LEED certified building and to work towards LEED certification for commercial interiors. It’s a good investment.”
Polsinelli Shughart was formed on February 1, 2009, following the merger of two Kansas City-based law firms: Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus PC, and Shughart Thomson & Kilroy P.C. Shughart Thomson & Kilroy established its Denver office in 1998. The merger brought together the recognized litigation and trial experience of the Shughart firm with Polsinelli’s sophisticated business capabilities, setting the stage for growth in Denver and the firm’s offices in 12 other cities.
For information contact Public Relations Manager Heather McMichael, 816-395-0618,
or Ashley Campbell, Linhart Public Relations, 303-951-2568,
About Polsinelli Shughart
With approximately 480 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart P.C. (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business litigation, financial services, real estate, business, construction, life sciences and health care. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients regionally, nationally and worldwide, Polsinelli Shughart is known for successfully applying forward-thinking strategies to both straightforward and complex legal matters. The firm has 13 offices located in Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; Wilmington, Delaware; Chicago and Edwardsville, Illinois; Overland Park and Topeka, Kansas; Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and St. Joseph, Missouri; New York City; and Washington, D.C