Southeast Financial Center, Florida’s tallest, largest and most significantly leased office tower totaling 1.225 million square feet in the heart of Miami’s Central Business District, has received two notable industry distinctions highlighting the property’s commitment to sustainability and technology:
· Gold Wired Certification – Southeast Financial Center became the first building in the State of Florida to receive this recognition for its cutting-edge technology and connectivity available to tenants.
· U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold O+M: Existing Building Certification – Southeast Financial Center scored the highest in Miami in the existing building category.
The tower was built in 1984 to the stringent standards of sustainability prior to market awareness or requirement for such, which resulted in the building securing Miami’s first LEED Gold O+M: Existing Building certification in 2009.
“As Miami continues its urban renaissance, the office space requirements of its tenants have also evolved. Tenants are requiring more sophisticated programming and amenities focused on technology and sustainability. These latest accolades position Southeast Financial Center at the forefront of this movement, and we are by no means finished with our improvement efforts,” said Amanda Voetsch, Executive Director with J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Global Real Assets, which owns the property on behalf of institutional investors. “It is our goal to create an optimized office experience with the appropriate amount of amenities and sophistication. This includes sustainable programs, high standards of efficiency, enhanced technology options, and environmentally friendly operations. As such, we are constantly seeking new ways to meet and exceed expectations and enhance workforce productivity.”
“J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Global Real Assets has invested more than $20.5 million on capital improvements at Southeast Financial Center since its clients acquired the building 100 percent in late 2008,” said Sean McNamara, General Manager with JLL, the building’s leasing and property management team. “The enhancements were chosen and implemented to allow the property to stand out as a leader in the market. We look forward to continuing to work with ownership to set the benchmark for class A office space in Miami.”
Capital improvements at the property have had a significant focus on technological advancements and connectivity – which resulted in high scores for the Wired Certification – including:
Multiple carrier sources of high-speed fiber optic broadband connectivity.
Multiple riser pathways to support tenant diversity requirements and allow for connections from independent locations.
Public Wi-Fi in common areas to enhance access to connectivity throughout the building.
Telecom equipment located above grade to prevent damages from flooding.
First responder disaster and recovery system in place to enhance safety and security.
“Internet connectivity has become a critical need for businesses to operate on a day-to-day basis and is a top priority for businesses seeking new office space,” said Arie Barendrecht, CEO and co-founder of WiredScore. “We applaud Southeast Financial Center for becoming the first in Florida to earn the trusted Wired Certified seal and demonstrating its commitment to providing tenants with best-in-class internet and tech capabilities.”
Wired Certification is the international standard developed by WiredScore that distinguishes office buildings with the fastest and most reliable internet connections. To achieve certification buildings must meet a rigorous set of standards that include building connectivity, infrastructure, and readiness to improve. Today, the program is a respected global standard and has laid the groundwork for more connected buildings, more wired businesses, and more digital cities.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED recertification, building projects must satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification.