Women’s underwear, greenhouse gas and other IMS facts

We’ve spent the better part of three days unpacking and getting settled into our new space at International Market Square. So while we find a shelf for yet another box of assorted thumb tacks, here are six points of interest we’ve learned about IMS and its rich history:

1. The past. Built between 1905 and 1915, IMS’ five-building complex was the original manufacturing facility for Northwestern Knitting and later corporate headquarters for Munsingwear, Inc., a leading apparel manufacturer that revolutionized the garment industry by inventing the "itchless" union suit for women.
   [caption id="attachment_1555" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="IMS served as the original site of undergarment maker Munsingwear."][/caption]
2. One-of-a-kind feature. IMS features a double helix staircase design – people going up never share the same staircase as people going down. Trust us, it’s cool.
3. The present. In 1985, IMS was born, and now it is home to over 70 premier home furnishings and kitchen and bath showrooms. And now LiLu Interiors.
4. Historic landmark. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, IMS remains Minnesota's largest renovated building.
5. Face lift. Collaborative Design Group redesigned IMS to create a 350,000 square foot design center and a 150,000 square foot home furnishing mart joined by an eight story glass atrium which overlooks a courtyard.
   [caption id="attachment_1551" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Commercial ENERGY STAR buildings such as IMS use an average of 40% less energy and release 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."][/caption]
6. Green. With a 94 rating IMS has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR , the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. By managing energy and strategically making cost-effective improvements, IMS has saved 37% in annual energy consumption and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount of electricity used by 218 households per year.