Engineering | Architecture | Planning
Menu
The energy company needed a new regional operations center that could bring gas and electric distribution teams together on a single campus, and its location within The Heights redevelopment introduced a set of ambitious sustainability requirements. The 20‑acre site came with expectations for LEED certification, renewable energy integration, preserved green space, and energy performance that exceeded code by 50 percent. These goals set a high bar for what the new campus needed to achieve.
TKDA led the design of a 375,000 SF service center that unifies regional offices, distribution headquarters, engineering and office space, fleet maintenance, fabrication shops, meter storage, and warehouse functions. A separate 30,000 SF fleet maintenance facility and screened outdoor storage complete the campus. From the beginning, the design emphasized high‑performance systems including a Darcy geothermal heating and cooling system, Energy Recovery Ventilators, a 1.16 MW rooftop solar array, EV charging infrastructure, and an all‑electric operations strategy with only two minor gas connections retained for specialized needs.
The result is a modern, efficient headquarters that reflects the energy company’s commitment to sustainability. It meets Saint Paul Port Authority guidelines, incorporates advanced renewable energy systems, and provides a resilient, long‑term home for regional operations.
CLIENT: Xcel Energy
LOCATION: Saint Paul, Minnesota
