The Challenge
Eastman Chemical Company, the largest employer in northeast Tennessee with over 7,000 employees in Kingsport, aimed to develop a state-of-the-art corporate office facility as part of its "Project Inspire" initiative. This facility was designed to promote collaboration, innovation, productivity, sustainability, wellness, and safety.
The selected site was directly across from Eastman’s principal business offices, separated by a five-lane roadway (Wilcox Drive). Parking and connectivity were crucial design considerations. Additionally, the site faced drainage challenges due to its proximity to a tributary of the Holston River, where high groundwater levels and extremely flat terrain made the incorporation of green infrastructure features, such as bio-retention or permeable pavers, unfeasible.
The Solution
Barge Design Solutions delivered comprehensive services, including master planning, traffic impact and parking studies, as well as civil, landscape, and site electrical design for the 290,000-square-foot building. The design effectively balanced greenspace with parking, providing a total of 733 parking spaces, which included 37 carpool spaces and 22 electric vehicle charging stations. To promote alternative forms of transportation, bicycle racks were also installed. In line with the project's wellness goals, a 0.8-mile loop trail was designed through the campus, connecting to the City’s multi-modal path.
Sustainability was a key focus of the site design, incorporating LED lighting, charging stations for electric vehicles, and the use of native and drought-tolerant plant materials. A high-efficiency irrigation system was implemented to reduce water usage. The drainage design featured both surface drainage and a pipe system equipped with water quality units, while large existing trees were preserved to enhance shade.
Safety was paramount in the overall design. The vehicular circulation plan prioritized pedestrian safety, and an enclosed bridge was created as part of an associated TDOT project to provide safe passage across Wilcox Drive. This air-conditioned bridge connects buildings on the corporate campus and grants public access to the City’s multi-modal path. Additional safety features included security cameras, trail lighting, and emergency blue phones.
The Result
The final design successfully met the project's initial goals for pedestrian safety, sustainability, and aesthetics. Additionally, this project earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
