How City Center Achieved the WELL Health Safety Rating

As the “back-to-the-office” wave continues to ripple across the nation and shoppers begin to head back to storefronts, it’s more important than ever for businesses to showcase what they’re doing to provide a safer indoor experience for tenants and visitors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And that’s where the WELL Health-Safety Rating comes in.

Established by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), this rating helps empower building owners and operators to take the necessary steps to prioritize the health and safety of their visitors, tenants and staff. Obtainable for both new and existing buildings and spaces, this evidence-based, third-party verified rating focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a COVID-19 environment now and beyond.

City Center, a Ryan-managed and -operated, 51-story, 1.6 million sq. ft. office-retail building in downtown Minneapolis, implemented several features to achieve the WELL Health Safety rating.

“Achieving this rating demonstrates our commitment to creating a safe, indoor environment at City Center,” said Jim Durda, City Center general manager. “When people see the WELL Health-Safety seal, they’ll know that we’ve taken the steps to prioritize their health and well-being.”

Here’s a few of the enhancements that were made to help this building prepare for tenants’ return:

• Improved cleaning practices and products: a full cleaning plan was submitted including adjustments that were made to address COVID-19, as well as preferred cleaning products rated for COVID-19.
• A healthy re-entry plan for tenants: a strategic plan for welcoming back tenants, ensuring their space is ready and informing them of best practices to sustain a healthy environment.
• Assessment of ventilation and air treatment systems: a full review of the HVAC capacity and filtration was conducted to ensure the best systems are in place to provide a healthy environment for tenants and guests.
• Reduction of surface contact: an inventory of high touch surfaces and in-person contact points were made, along with a plan to reduce those contacts.

Not only has City Center received the WELL Health-Safety rating, but in January 2021, it became the largest property in Minnesota to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designation by the United States Green Building Council.

You can learn more about LEED and WELL certifications here.