La-Z-Boy buys 120 acres for new headquarters

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, January 24, 2013

MONROE, Mich. — La-Z-Boy said it has completed the purchase of 120 acres of land that will be the site of its new corporate headquarters here.

The land purchase, coupled with last month's approval of a variety of state, county and local incentives to support the project, paves the way for the company to begin final design work on the building and site.

La-Z-Boy said it hopes to break ground this spring and move into the new headquarters in late 2014 or the first half of 2015.

The land was acquired from the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary order for an undisclosed price.

Preliminary plans include a LEED certified headquarters building nestled into a parcel of land across from an oak savannah, vegetated swales in parking lots, walking trails for employees, and other natural features.

"We are delighted to have finalized the purchase of land from the IHM sisters and are excited to be moving forward with the final design and construction of our new world headquarters," said Kurt Darrow, chairman, president and CEO. "When completed, this landmark facility will provide an inspiring, innovative and collaborative work environment for our employees and highlight our evolving image as a worldwide leader in our industry."

Mary Jane Herb, president of IHM, praised La-Z-Boy as a company "committed to building a sustainable culture within their company and industry."

"The restoration and preservation of the oak savannah as well as preservation of green space in the city are shared goals of IHM and La-Z-Boy," she said.