SC Johnson's Fortaleza Hall Named Best Cultural Project & Best Architectural Design

RACINE, Wis., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- SC Johnson's Fortaleza Hall in Racine, Wis., which opened its doors in January 2010, has been named Best Cultural Project & Best Architectural Design by Midwest Construction News as part of its Best of 2010 awards program. The annual competition recognizes construction and design excellence from eight Midwestern states.

Designed by world-renowned architect Norman Foster and his firm, London-based Foster + Partners, SC Johnson's new Fortaleza Hall is a contemporary partner to the innovative buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright that draw more than 4,500 architecture enthusiasts to visit the Company's headquarters each year.

"We are honored that Fortaleza Hall has received this recognition. The building does more than change the cityscape, it tells a story of adventure," said Jane Hutterly, Executive Vice President - Worldwide Corporate & Environmental Affairs. "The story is one of values and commitment and of generations past. It is also a contemporary and unique space that yields to the future."

The spherical-shaped 60,000 square-foot facility, which broke ground in September 2007, has two distinct sections: Fortaleza Hall, which provides a historical context for the company and the advances that continue to take place there through displays/memorabilia including the replica twin-engine S-38 amphibious plane that the late Sam Johnson, the fourth generation leader of the company, flew to Fortaleza Brazil in 1998, and includes the Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room and Legacy gallery; and The Commons, which offers employee dining, concierge services, company store, bank and fitness center in a comfortable environment.

"We're delighted that Fortaleza Hall has been recognized with the double accolade of Best Cultural Project and best Architectural Design by Midwest Construction," said Nigel Dancey, Design Director, Foster + Partners. "It is a great result for the whole team and is testament to a truly inspiring brief – the project was a unique opportunity to work in the context of Frank Lloyd Wright's world-renowned SC Johnson Administration Building, helping to tell the story of H.F. Johnson Jr.'s remarkable flight and creating a new community heart for the whole campus."

Fortaleza Hall, which honors Sam Johnson, offers visitors a chance to learn more about the SC Johnson company through displays and memorabilia. Fortaleza Hall also encompasses The Commons – a central gathering place for SC Johnson employees that includes amenities like dining, concierge service, company store, bank and fitness center. More information about Fortaleza Hall is available at http://www.scjohnson.com/en/company/architecture.aspx

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, and insect control. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, ECHO®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, and MR. MUSCLE®. The 124-year-old company, with more than $8 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

SOURCE SC Johnson