National Association of Manufacturers members are often at its HQ for meetings, so when it had to find a new home, NAM knew the space had to be refined but not overdone. It's not the only org making such a big decision, so we're thrilled to be hosting our Real Estate Strategies for Associations and Law Firms event on Aug. 27 at the Mayflower.

NAM SVP Rick Klein says the organization took a risk when it chose its HQ at 733 10th St NW, which was based on a concept and a plan but not yet built. The economy was teetering and the builder, Skanska, was new to the DC market. But execs looked at Skanska’s other projects and its financials and considered that it didn’t have a loan for the project. That empty hole in the ground has turned into a LEED-certified building, with NAM’s 42k square foot space earning LEED Silver for its environmentally-friendly interiors.

Rick says NAM incorporated energy-efficient lighting, local and recycled building materials, and systems to monitor air quality and temperature. The space also has a large conference center with bathrooms that use less water. The two-level office is smaller than its previous Pennsylvania Avenue location, yet Rick says the space is more open and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The design was part of a strategy to breath new vitality into the organization, he adds. Bisnow will have more associations weigh in on their real estate strategies at our Aug. 27 event. Sign up to hear more.