Client: Jackson National Life Insurance Company

Overview

Jackson National Life Insurance Company opened a $60M expansion to their corporate campus in Okemos, Michigan in October, 2015. The 230,000 sq. ft. expansion is connected by a spectacular 500’ temperature controlled walkway which provides an opportunity for casual interaction as employees move through the campus. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the connector, affording beautiful views of extensive woodlands with mature trees and a wide variety of plant species. Artwork, pictured here, by Mary Gillis is installed on opposite ends of the connector.

Goals

“The way I like to think about this facility is that this is a physical manifestation of a thriving business,” said Barry Stowe, Jackson National’s chairman. “How a place looks and feels is important,” Stowe said. “People decorate their homes but they spend more time at work than at home. The space has to be visually appealing.”

Process

Bob Trezise, President of Lansing Economic Area Partnership, introduced Mary Gillis to JNL with the Okemos expansion in mind. Long-time JNL art consultant, Maeve McGrath, assisted Dennis Blue, vice president, Corporate Support Services at Jackson, and Molly Casey of Nine Dot Arts in art selection for this project.

Additional Information

Architecture and interior design by Gresham, Smith and Partners, a leading multi-disciplinary design and consulting firm. Sustainable features include motion controlled LED lighting throughout. Connectivity was a guiding theme throughout the project. Dennis Blue of JNL stated, “We now have a showcase facility that is flexible and inviting and will contribute to our efforts of attracting and retaining great talent.”