The Endangered Species Chocolate Company is the first of three large light-industrial and office buildings designed for the master planned Ashland South development. The program calls for flexible and expandable manufacturing, warehousing, and office space for the rapidly expanding organic chocolate company. In addition, the program also incorporates retail and food service space, as well as educational areas used to teach local school children and the rest of the public about chocolate production and the company’s devotion to animal and environmental causes.

As part of the larger development, the design of the project utilizes a design approach focused on use of a kit of parts. This approach is intended to provide a sense of coherence among the three buildings on the site, while allowing each to establish its own identity. In support of the company’s mission statement, the building incorporates many elements of environmentally sustainable design including the extensive use of glazing and daylighting, sunshade devices, high-efficiency mechanical systems, ‘green’ materials, and rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for industrial use and landscape irrigation.