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Consolidating their operations into one central headquarters, Discovery Communications recently moved into a 550,000-square-foot building in Silver Spring, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. Previously located in five different buildings in Bethesda, the move creates a more efficient worldwide headquarters for the company. Clark Construction Group, LLC served as general contractor on the facility, which includes a 320,000-square-foot parking structure.
“We felt that our presence could help spur growth and renewal in Silver Spring,” said John Hendricks, chairman, founder and CEO of Discovery Communications.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. DCI has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 155 countries and territories with over 935 million cumulative subscribers. DCI’s 33 networks of distinctive programming represent 14 entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Wings Channel, Discovery Home & Leisure Channel, Discovery en Español, HD Theater and The Health Network.
The organization’s new headquarters is designed to showcase Discovery’s cutting-edge work culture and a product philosophy committed to exploration, lifelong learning and community involvement. Occupying a vacant 4.5 acre site in Silver Spring, the project is a significant element in the redevelopment of one of Washington D.C.’s important suburban neighborhoods. Design for the headquarters emphasizes the structure as the major gateway for downtown Silver Spring, as well as a center for community life.
Conceived as a landmark structure that would reflect Discovery’s culture, the base building architecture was designed by SmithGroup of Washington, D.C. Configured in an L shape, the facade fronts two main public thoroughfares. A public green space and plaza link the headquarters to the surrounding neighborhood.
Providing strategic facilities planning and interior design, Gensler of Washington, D.C. has worked with Discovery for many years and served as the interior architect for the headquarters project. Maintaining a productive work environment for Discovery’s 1500 employees, aligning the resources of people, place and technology is a paramount objective of the building. The space is designed with flexibility to accommodate change and growth incorporating the latest in office space technology.
Clark Construction Group, LLC is headquartered in Bethesda, Md.
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