Green is the theme at Urban Plains and joining the ranks of “Green Minded” businesses located at UP Fargo is Allegiance Software. Owned by Sonja and Mark Jensen, this well established company that manufactures intellectual property (a.k.a. software) recently moved into a beautifully designed 12,500 square foot building that is both aesthetically unique and environmentally friendly.
Allegiance Software specializes in fundraising and traffic software for public and Christian broadcasting along with non-profit organizations. Their customer base consists of 160 clients reaching 45 states. Their state-of-the-art training facility allows them the ability to train clients and employees on new software while 24/7 customer support offers around the clock assistance with technical, operational, and fundraising support. Their new home, designed by Paul Sorum of Sorum Design Build, embraces the environment that Allegiance is known for providing to both customers and employees. Wide open spaces deliver an ambiance of creativity and a comfortable, home-like working atmosphere. This stunning new home is relaxing and inviting, however, it’s the green building technology that sets this contemporary structure apart from its previous home.
“Going green is the responsible thing to do,” explained Director of Marketing Sue Guttormson. “We have many clients that are environmentally conscious and we wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
Allegiance Software was built with structural insulated wall and roofing panels that consist of wood on each side and Styrofoam filling in the middle. These energy efficient panels are surrounded with maintenance free cement siding that will be painted in three different colors for aesthetic appeal. A total of 66 wells were drilled on the land 150 feet deep to bring in water to the building with 13 heat pumps positioned throughout the structure as a part of the geothermal heating and cooling system. The economically sensible decision of using green building technology will prove to save money in the long run, allowing Allegiance Software the ability to increase revenue while decreasing expenses.
Upon entering the facility one will quickly discover that the green theme is not limited to the structural details but also extends into the décor. A beautifully designed custom reception desk draws guests in with a marble countertop reminiscent of tree leaves, branches, and roots displaying shades of green and brown. The flooring on the first level is made of dark brown stained concrete that serves as an easy to clean surface and also eliminates static electricity, a vital detail for a software company whose “tool box” is filled with various computers, services, and electrical equipment.
Three different kinds of wood are displayed throughout the building. Hickory garnishes the cabinets, doors, and woodwork; Northern Norway Birch adorns the wall of private offices while Knotty Pine is used for posts and beams that stand erected in the spacious building.
There’s no doubt that Urban Plains was the most logical place for this distinctive building, created for a forward thinking company. UP Fargo offers Allegiance Software the opportunity to be strategically placed in a highly visible area that is a fast growing part of the Fargo Moorhead region. “We see this move as an investment for our employees,” explained Mark Jensen. “This facility was built with the intentions of doubling the size of our staff within five to seven years. At Urban Plains, we know that we will have access to many walking paths surrounded by trees and shrubs along with ponds where we can use paddle boats, canoes or kayaks. For 31 plus years in business, we have always worked hard and played hard and we want to continue that adage for many more years. Urban Plains was a natural location as well as investment for our new facility.”
