The GAI Building Opens for Business

April 5, 2011 - PRLog -- ORLANDO, Fla. – The GAI Building opens for business, welcoming anchor tenant GAI Consultants to downtown Orlando’s first privately-developed green office.

Formerly an infill site, the new $30 million development is a boost for the local economy, boasting 105,000 square feet of professional office space and a 300-space integrated parking garage. The sustainable facility has been designed for LEED® certification, with eco-friendly features including floors made from corn and Energy Star qualified technology devices. GAI Consultants signed a long-term lease to occupy 65,000 square feet of the seven-story GAI Building.

“With nearly 30 years of service to downtown Orlando, GAI is proud to have its name on this significant development,” noted President and CEO Gary DeJidas, P.E.

Founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., GAI established its first branch office in Orlando in 1982, when Mr. DeJidas expanded operations into the Southeast. GAI’s Orlando office, which is now the second largest of the firm’s 21 locations, needed a more modern, sustainable space. Ustler Development, Inc. delivered the solution – a downtown structure designed for a smaller environmental footprint than typical urban buildings.

“It’s incredible that because of our valued clients, talented staff, and great leadership, we’re able to grow GAI in these difficult economic conditions,” expressed Orlando Managing Officer and Vice President Richard Cima, P.E.

In addition to being the anchor tenant, GAI served as the project’s civil engineer. Ustler Development led the project team, which included Baker Barrios Architects and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, the top LEED® builder in the Southeast. Construction began in late 2009 and ended in March 2011. Ustler Development is currently pursuing LEED® silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

For more information about GAI Consultants and their new office, visit gaiconsultants.com/orlando.

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About GAI Consultants, Inc.: Transforming ideas into reality for more than 50 years, GAI is an employee-owned, multidiscipline engineering and environmental consulting firm, serving our clients worldwide in the energy, transportation, real estate, water, municipal, government, institutional, and industrial markets from offices throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeastern United States. For more information about GAI’s history, services, and people, visit www.gaiconsultants.com.