The Norfolk Southern headquarters was designed with employees in mind, providing an environment and work experience that prioritizes green space, invites interaction and collaboration, and provides amenities that foster health and convenience.

A lush entry plaza welcomes employees, guests, and neighbors into the building’s lobby. Material choices—with artwork reminiscent of rails and benches made from railway timbers—are a nod to the rich history of railway transportation and this organization.

Around the building’s exterior, we installed 1,545 LF of granite curbing, 474 CY of concrete flatwork (sidewalks), 30 large-caliper trees, and 1700 liriope.

One of two play areas for children is located on the ground level. Here we installed nearly 9 tons of GAB crusher run stone; 400 tons of drainage stone; 47 tons of granite fines (sand); 3720 SF of drainage board and filter fabric, 12.5 CY of concrete (including stairs); and 150 LF of Omega security fencing. Kid friendly features include mounded play areas/climbing balls, a slide and tunnel, sand box, 565 SF of artificial turf and 2035 SF of rubberized play surface.

Nearly 300 hours were spent cutting and seaming together the 2600 SF of rubberized play surfaces in this Children’s Terrace. To create this inviting kid-friendly area, we used a pump truck to install 9 CY of concrete over 360 tons of drainage stone and sand and 3800 SF of drain board and filter fabric. A sail canopy and raised gardening beds, incorporating herbs such as rosemary, thyme, spearmint, and lavender, were added for young visitors to enjoy.

With over 95% of this site built over-structure, soil, drainage and grade changes were extremely important to ensure project success. The use project’s tower crane was used to lift materials to the seven rooftop areas.

An after photo of this same area shows the end result. Multi-level hardscapes, landscapes, and views of the city to be enjoyed by Norfolk Southern’s employees.

Over 686CY of exposed aggregate concrete was placed using the crane—with concrete added to a bucket at ground level, hoisted to the 4th, 10th and 17th floors, and then directed and released by crews into designated areas. These circular walking paths were designed to facilitate movement, a key part of the company’s health and wellness philosophy.

The completed hardscape pathways which can be seen here, and the complementing landscape, which incorporates many varieties of flowing sedge punctuated with holly and magnolia trees, creates a lush green area for employees to enjoy amidst the Atlanta skyline.

The deck’s irrigation installation included 15 different zones with just over 25,000 LF of various irrigation drip lines. All were carefully configured to keep plant material thriving in a lightweight soil mix, where upper deck temperatures are 10-15 degrees warmer than street level.

This staircase, which was cantilevered off the side of the building, was a late addition to our scope. CAD drawings were used to ensure proper alignment and elevations—and the stairs were formed and poured first in close coordination with the electrician who had to set strip lights within the stair risers.

With large portions of the project being done at high elevations, safety precautions were imperative and included using fall arrest systems and weekly safety meetings which included training on fall hazards, mitigating weather-related conditions and securing of materials to prevent them from becoming projectiles…to name a few.

Nearly 50% of this project’s scope was landscape installation. We installed just over 16,000 perennials and grasses, 2800 shrubs and 87 trees ranging in size from 4-6” caliper. The majority of the project’s trees, which had rootballs weighing 1500 lbs., were installed on upper-level amenity decks with the use of a crane.

The high level of detail on this project is very evident in its extensive hardscape, which effectively uses color, texture, pattern and material choice to create an aesthetically appealing outcome. Due to the many different types of pavers that were installed throughout the site, careful layout, strong communication and coordination and knowledge of various install techniques was essential for success.

To create a more sustainable landscape and aid in achieving LEED Gold status for this project, special focus was given to preserving water resources, sourcing local vendors and using both native and adaptive plant material that would thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. In this rooftop area, artificial turf was used to minimize maintenance and watering needs, and a hydrorocks extensive lightweight soil was used to ensure plant viability.

In addition to landscape and hardscape work performed, we installed nearly $100K worth of amenities including trash receptacles, shade structures, benches, fitness equipment, tree grates, bike racks and planters.

Through the use of quality, sustainable materials and high-end craftsmanship, Norfolk Southern has achieved their vision of creating an environment where employees don’t just work—they thrive.