Viracon, headquartered in Owatonna, Minn., has announced that it has been named glass supplier for Midtown Manhattan's new $1 billion dollar Bank of America Tower.

According to a Viracon news release, the 2.1 million sq. ft., 54-story skyscraper is slated for completion in 2008 and will require 700,000 sq. ft. of glass. Its crystal-like, spired tower and its outer glass "curtain" will provide the most energy efficiency. In fact, this is the first skyscraper to strive for a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) designation. Its innovative design and technologies will cut energy and potable water consumption by 50 percent, and storm water waste by 95 percent.

"This is one of the most complex projects-involving innovative architecture, leading edge technology and energy efficiency-that we have ever worked on. One Bryant Park (Bank of America Tower) is destined to make history in energy efficient design. The Durst Organization, owner/developer, had the goal and vision to design the very first Platinum LEED project of this magnitude. We are pleased that Cook + Fox Architects specified Viracon glass, which meets the energy efficiency requirements outlined by Durst, and that Permasteelisa Cladding Technologies, the curtain wall contractor, selected Viracon as their supplier" said Brad Austin, senior vice president sales and marketing

To meet LEED's stringent requirements, the Tower will feature Viracon insulated coated glass to reduce solar heat gain. The manufacturer will supply an Insulating Unit consisting of SolarscreenTM VE-2M coating and an intricate custom silk-screen pattern: low iron glass with VE-2M coating and custom silk-screen on the #2 surface. The building will also include areas with Viracon's Insulating Laminated glass. Glazing contractor for the project is Permasteelisa Cladding Industries. Initial delivery is anticipated to begin in December 2005.