Publication: Illinois Business Journal, April 5, 2019

Poettker Construction Co., headquartered in Breese, Ill., has collaborated with Ameren Corp. on more than 80 projects since 2016 for the utility’s Buildings & Facility Management Group as well as Transmission, Distribution, and Gas Service Groups. Most recently, the company completed its first design/build project for Ameren Illinois, the new $19 million state-of-the-art corporate office in the Eastport area of Collinsville.

Cory Pritchard was the project manager. “We partnered with Arcturis for architectural services,” says Pritchard. “Oates Associates was the structural and civil engineer, while BRiC Partnership designed the electrical system.”

The new building was necessary due to an increase in staff supporting Ameren Illinois’ Modernization Action Plan and Natural Gas Qualifying Infrastructure Plant initiatives. The 48,000-square-foot, two-story headquarters provides co-workers with a modern, collaborative work environment while alleviating space constraints. The facility, with a capacity for 225 employees, includes a combination of open workspace, private executive suites and offices, conference rooms, and a multifunctional auditorium that can be reconfigured for a variety of meeting sizes and events.

The structure consists of structural steel framing with an exterior façade of glass curtainwall systems and architectural metal panels.

“The entire first floor includes floor-to-ceiling curtainwall with one glass wall in all interior offices, allowing for plenty of natural light,” said Pritchard. Technology innovations such as electronic controls for lighting and sound, video display boards in the lobby, and a badge reader security system were incorporated into the design. Other energy efficient elements include a solar canopy-covered parking area and electric car charging stations.

The five-acre site required a significant amount of coordination prior to beginning construction. Engineered fill was brought in to ensure the building elevations were above flood concerns for the area. Special care and scheduling accommodations were made to avoid disturbing the natural wetland habitat, and migratory and mating seasons of wildlife that lives there.

Planning and design development were completed in six months, with construction commencing in January 2018. Poettker achieved substantial completion of the facility in October 2018, and by mid-December, staff began moving in. The space was fully functional by January 1, 2019, meeting Ameren’s target date for operations