Paradigm Design

The challenge presented was to take one of Meijer’s long standing legacy stores and completely transform it to meet their patrons’ needs and consumer demands.  The store remained open and operational during the construction.

The 200,000 square foot Meijer features six wind turbines.  The store was the first “Big-Box” remodel to be LEED Certified.  95% of all construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills.  In addition to recycling waste, construction materials used consisted of 30%pre or post-consumer recycled materials.  Nearly 70% of all construction materials were local or regional point of origin which exceeds the 20% needed for LEED regional material credits.  The design received LEED Certification in November of 2009.

Energy-conscious design does more than sustain our environment for future generations. Reducing the carbon footprint of a facility saves clients money when considering the life-cycle costs of a facility. Environmentally friendly design is at the beginning of the consciousness of every American. It is our task as the architects of the build environment to be both teachers and leaders in reducing the footprint of every building built.

-Steven Douglas
Paradigm Design Project Manager for Meijer Norton Shores
Green Buisness Quarterly Nov/Dec 2009 pg.60