Hyundai Motor America’s recent strong growth in the US is reflected in its decision to plan an new US headquarters building in Fountain Valley, California (south-east of Los Angeles), its local base for 20 years. The new building will cost US$150m, the largest amount the automaker has so far committed to an office building there.
“This new national headquarters represents Hyundai’s vision for the future and reflects the innovation and creativity that our brand has come to represent,” said Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik. “It also reflects our commitment to invest in and benefit the communities in which we operate around the world.”
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Designed by architecture and design firm Gensler, the building will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified, targeting the gold level. LEED is a green building certification process assessing the sustainability of a building’s design, construction and operations.
The building will have a structural pedestal foundation with floating translucent glass floors above. Its focal point is a two-floors high entrance which leads to a public courtyard in the centre that is open to the sky. A vehicle showroom will be visible from the motorway side of the new structure.
The new building will be approximately 419,000 sq ft and six floors high. A one-floor, 50,000 sq ft technical services facility connects to the main building. An adjacent parking building will also be constructed.
Demolition of the old headquarters building along the ‘I405’ San Diego freeway is currently under way. Construction of the new building is expected to begin next spring 2012 and is projected to generate approximately 1,530 direct and indirect jobs during the estimated 19-month building process. The building should be completed by autumn 2013.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor America employees are in temporary office space in Costa Mesa, California.
