The architectural design required a double glass curtain wall at the intersecting corner of the four buildings, acting as a unifying element of design. The slender columns created to support the curtain wall required a special mix design using low strength white cement. This challenging component was met by Nishkian Menninger by creating a unique connection using cantilevered steel elements to carry the curtain wall from the slender columns. This connection and column layout provided the most efficient design within the limitations.

The adjacent existing building presented an additional challenge. It was needed to preserve and retrofit this historical structure while proceeding with the new construction surrounding it. The existing building was brought up to code for future use while Foundry Square Building 2 was completed.

The organic nature of the roof posed an interesting challenge for the structural team, and was a vital element in the architectural concept. While the rest of building was concrete, the set of folding planes in the roof structure could only be achieved through the use of structural steel bent beams. The complex layers of the roof presented challenges for the structural team that were met with vigor.

The desire of the owners of Foundry Square was to provide a building that would house high-end businesses, and offer their potential clients a structure that would provide seismic resistance above and beyond the current standards. This challenge was met by Nishkian Menninger using a dual system consisting of concrete shear walls at the core and moment frames at the perimeter. Using this system to incorporate architectural elements, including large openings in the façade, this efficient design accomplished the standard of excellence that would appeal to the target audience.

While Foundry Square Building 2 was constructed in the early stages of the LEED program, many areas included current LEED requirements. An area in which these concepts were implemented was at the moment frame structure used on the exterior of the building, allowing the natural light, both architectural standard and LEED recommendation. A raised floor system also assisted in supporting a green philosophy by reducing energy costs significantly. Great care was taken to find the most efficient design from mix design to layout. Foundry Square is increasing environmental awareness by constructing the two remaining buildings with LEED certification.

Nishkian Menninger was able to use a post-tensioned slab in Foundry Square instead of a thicker flat-plate slab due to the raised floor system.This system located mechanical, electrical, and data delivery systems below a raised floor, which avoided penetrations in the floor slab. For these reasons, the thinner PT slab was a more efficient option to provide increased head room and flexibility in office planning.

Constructability and scheduling during the construction phase was greatly simplified by the choice of the flat post-tensioned slab system and 30' x30' grid. The use of a high speed forming system, along with teamwork and coordination among the consultants helped the contractor to arrive at an early completion.