Darden Restaurant HQ

TCC was selected to develop a new corporate headquarters campus for Darden Restaurants that would unify all employees under one roof, provide a healthy and collaborative work environment and utilize state of the art building systems that would achieve LEED® Gold Certification. TCC delivered a high-performance 464,000 square foot office building that will be home to 1,520 employees. Additional features include: a 30,000 square foot training center, a 6,500 square foot fitness & wellness center, six R&D test kitchens, an employee cafe and dining room. The campus includes a free standing 17,500 square foot, level IV data center, a 1,050-car garage, ½ mile jogging trail and 3.5 acres of persevered cypress wetlands. Due to the programmatic needs, the ground level is nearly 150,000 square feet with an atrium “main street” that serves to connect all features of the building and provide a natural space for employee interaction and collaboration. Sustainable features include solar orientation, high performance HVAC systems, energy recovery units, low “e” glazing, recycled materials, reduced heat island via structured parking and high albedo roofing, reduced storm water systems and increased green spaces through the innovative use of native bioswales. Water conservation features including native landscaping, reduced flow fixtures and the innovative use of reclaimed water within the building for non-potable uses. A high-quality indoor work environment was delivered through the use of low VOC materials, indoor air quality monitoring, CO2 monitoring, ergonomic open plan furnishings, natural daylighting and exterior views for most employees.