The Issues
Marina Center is conceived and designed with the
Eureka community foremost in mind, and it requires a large retailer as an anchor
store to make the project economically feasible. Security National Properties carefully
considered companies whose core values focus on contributing to the communities
they serve, and who allow for differences in store design to reflect the unique
character of each community and its surroundings. Security National Properties also
carefully selected an architectural firm with extensive experience in aesthetically
redeveloping blighted urban property to productive use.
The partnership between Security National Properties, The Home Depot® and Baysinger
Partners Architecture resulted in a design for Marina Center that reflects the small-coastal-city
character of Eureka while bringing much-needed economic stimulus to the city and
a viable solution for the Balloon Track brownfield.
Large retail stores comprise only 25 percent of Marina Center; the remaining 75
percent is dedicated to smaller retail, restaurants, offices, The Discovery Museum,
and affordable housing. Architectural and site design includes landscaped spaces
with walking paths that connect with downtown and the surrounding community, and
subdued storefronts inspired by the character of the environment and the proximity
to Eureka Bay.
Marina Center’s anchor store, The Home Depot, is one of America’s most successful
companies. It is also considered an enlightened corporate citizen by the communities
where it conducts business.
With company values including “Taking Care of Our People,” “Giving Back to Our Communities,”
and “Doing the Right Thing,” The Home Depot dedicated to providing innovative and
industry-leading benefits, and makes benefits available to all full-time and part-time
associates. The company offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance;
the opportunity to share in the company's growth through its Success Sharing program
- a bonus plan for associates; a discounted stock purchase plan; and other benefits
to eligible full-time and part-time associates. Approximately 65 percent of its
employees are full time. The Home Depot has entered into several hiring partnerships
over the past few years in its efforts to recruit talented and diverse associates,
including one with AARP. This partnership began in 2004 to attract, motivate and
retain eligible older workers as part- and full-time associates.
The Home Depot sends business to local contractors through its Installation Services
business. The Installation Services business is an important part of the company’s
outreach to “do-it-for-me” customers and engages local contractors providing business
to them at no cost. The Installation Services business continues to see double-digit
growth, especially in categories such as HVAC, kitchens, countertops, windows and
roofing/gutters.
Along with the other companies in the Marina Center, The Home Depot will contribute
its share of an estimated $900,000 in property taxes and more than $1 million in
annual sales taxes to benefit Eureka and its public services including schools.
In addition to hundreds of good-paying jobs with benefits, The Home Depot’s social
and corporate responsibility, commitment to the environment and economic contributions
will benefit Eureka in many important ways. Giving back to the communities it serves
is a fundamental value of The Home Depot and its associates. In addition to offering
financial support to nonprofit organizations, the company also volunteers time and
resources through Team Depot, The Home Depot’s organized volunteer force of associates
who volunteer their free time to community projects. Team Depot gave nearly one
million hours in 2005 while working on community service projects.
The Home Depot is a network of stores, just like virtually all “local” hardware
stores are either Ace or True Value stores. The Home Depot, as do Ace and True Value
co-operatives, buy in quantity, and pass the savings on to their customers locally.
The Home Depot will compete locally for business, but competition creates more options
for the local community and ultimately benefits the consumer.
The Home Depot is sensitive to the environment. It builds energy-efficient stores
that comply with ENERGY STAR® guidelines guidelines and holds the 2006 ENERGY
STAR® Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
It selects lumber suppliers committed to sustainable forestry, giving preferential
treatment to suppliers of certified green lumber products. Unlike most
large retailers, The Home Depot custom-designs each store for its specific community
and location. The current concept for the Marina Center store includes its newest
store format incorporating high architectural and landscaping standards.
As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and a voting member of the
Retail Committee, The Home Depot is applying its experience to aid in the development
of an application guide that assists retailers in obtaining LEED certification for
their buildings. The companys experience and commitment has also led to the
development of stores that minimize energy use, have more permeable surfaces than
in the past and make better use of existing development.
The Home Depot has received a steady stream of accolades for its corporate responsibility,
commitment to the environment and community support. Awards and recognition include:
- No. 1 Most Favorable Retailer, No. 3 Most Favorable Company in any industry, by
Pew Research Center
- No. 1 Specialty Retailer in Fortune magazine’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies
(2005 and 2006)
- ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award, by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (2006)
- Retailer of the Year Award, by the Office of Energy Efficiency (Natural Resources,
Canada)
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