To consolidate various leased properties and to establish a new U.S. operations headquarters, Manulife Financial began construction on a 14-story office tower in South Boston. A joint venture between The Clark Construction Group Inc. of Boston and Suffolk Construction Company Inc., of Boston, is serving as the general contractor on the $89-million project.

“The project is a stellar example of urban design and environmentally-conscious development,” said Susan Elsbree, spokeswoman of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. “It is one of the first of its kind in the nation that incorporates state-of- the-art sustainable design features.”

Designed by the Chicago office of Skidmore Owings & Merrill, the project incorporates a double-skin glass wall system, which is the first of its kind in the United States and greatly increases its energy efficiency. With a green roof, increased indoor environmental quality, and recycling integrated into the design of the base building, the project is a cutting-edge office facility for Manulife Financial.

Highlighted by a large atrium, the 600,000-sq.-ft. (55,742 sq m) office tower includes ground floor retail spaces along D and Congress streets. Sidewalks with pedestrian canopies will surround three sides of the high-rise. Walkways will serve as access paths to the nearby South Boston Waterfront Park and the World Trade Center’s Eastport Park. Underground parking will be available for 177 vehicles.

In addition to Clark/Suffolk and the architect, Still and Lee of Boston is serving as the associate architect and Haley & Aldrich Inc., of Boston, as geotechnical engineer. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is designing the MEP, structural and fire protection systems. R.G. Vanderweil, of Boston, is serving as the associate MEP engineer and McNamara/Salvia of Boston is serving as the associate structural engineer.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services company operating in 15 countries and territories around the world. Manulife Financial’s U.S. operations headquarters is expected to bring 1,500 jobs to the burgeoning South Boston Waterfront district and will be completed in late 2003. Clark’s Boston office is managing the project. Manulife Financial and Clark last worked together on the award winning 555-12th St., N.W. project in Washington, D.C.

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