In light of our Real Estate Strategies for Associations and Law Firms event on Aug. 27 at the Mayflower, we caught up with National Association of Manufacturers SVP Rick Klein on how the firm found its new HQ. Rick says NAM took a risk when it chose 733 10th St NW, which was based on a concept and a plan but not yet fully 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 the fact 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 SFt 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 breathe 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.