The company’s space features an open collaborative working environment with white board walls and columns, open glass walls. There are only three offices, but the entire space is surrounded by glass windows, offering spectacular views from any vantage point.
“Those are real wood windows and they open,” said Matt Reno, founder of Reno Contracting, the firm responsible for the construction of this building as well as other Truax development projects. “When the dual-glazed windows are closed, you can’t hear the freeway.”
A large investment was made in sound attenuation and energy efficiency with R-30 insulation used in the ceilings and walls.
The 67,000 square foot building was built to the latest earthquake standards (revised from the Northridge quake) using steel-frame moment-frame structural systems. It should withstand a level 8 earthquake.
The flooring systems consist of 3-1/2” of lightweight concrete over steel deck. Recycled rubber padding and recycled carpet squares complete the top layers.
“This building would be a Silver LEEDS-certified project,” said Reno, referring to the energy savings and Title 24 compliance measures for “green” buildings. “We recycle everything that comes out of here.”
Reno Contracting is ranked #64 in the nation for LEEDS certification.
The building was partially financed using the EB-5 program, a US Visa program created by the Immigration Act of 1990 to spur foreign investment in the US to create local jobs.
Individuals must invest at least $1,000,000 (or $500,000 in “Targeted Employment Areas”), creating at least 10 jobs for US workers (excluding the investor and their immediate family). In exchange, the foreign investor and their dependents receive conditional permanent resident visas.
“Thirteen visas were approved for this project,” said Reno.
The top floor will house the Truax Development offices and features a large conference room as well as a large wrap-around patio/balcony offering 360-degree views of downtown and the freeways and surrounding mountains.
“These are spectacular views everywhere you look,” said Carinna Coram, chairwoman of the Old Town Merchants Association. “I have never seen Old Town from this perspective.”
“We envision using this for fundraising events,” said Truax.
“It’s spectacular!” gushed Mayor Maryann Edwards. “Disneyland quality – it meets every expectation and raises the bar on the quality of commercial property in Old Town. This is a signature piece right across from City Hall. This type of building will spur growth and jobs, jobs, jobs.”
In fact, ed2go has already hired 26 additional people for this office and plans to grow to 118 in the next 18 months.
Look for additional development downtown as Truax’s plans call for a four-phase project, including a high-end movie theatre complex. It may have taken 40 years, but this building is proof dreams can come true.
For more information on leasing space in this and future buildings, contact Joël Brodes at (951) 294-5885 or Peter Foy at (951) 294-5887 or visit the website at www.truaxbuilding.com.
