Founded in 2008, Triterra is a Michigan-based advisory firm specializing in brownfield development, environmental consulting, and natural resources, dedicated to providing prompt and innovative solutions that address complex environmental and developmental challenges. With clients spanning businesses, developers, property owners, lending institutions, attorneys, municipalities, and other entities, Triterra has etched its name in the region, continuously meeting individual and community needs that align with regulatory compliance and enhance existing living conditions.
Co-founded by seasoned professional Don McNabb, the CEO and visionary, Triterra simplifies the nuanced labyrinth of environmental regulations, ensuring property acquisition and development are devoid of encountering the risk of contamination, hazardous materials, dilapidated structures, unsafe water and soil, and many others.
Triterra’s mission to alleviate the innate obstacles of land development is rooted deeply in the team’s belief that everyone deserves a living environment where their health and immediate needs are taken care of. “We don’t want an office located in a place where our staff feels unsafe. That’s why we’re dedicated to building vibrant, functional spaces that aren’t filled with unsafe structures,” stresses Don. “We also don’t want to be anywhere near spaces with contaminants in the ground. These affect the health of people and wildlife, fueling the environmental crisis.”
Especially in Michigan, where affordable housing is facing a striking shortage of 188,895 housing units, Triterra’s work is crucial, enabling the transformation of archaic, worn-out buildings into suitable accommodation units. Realizing that renovating old structures is costly and unpredictable, the company leverages its team’s all-encompassing expertise to conceptualize and implement out-of-the-box solutions that offset expenses and streamline the process.
Don identified two most common approaches – demolishing a building before restarting from scratch and utilizing existing structures. While there is an undeniable intrinsic value to choosing the second path, this environmental expert highlights that resorting to that option when working with a construction inadequate for housing may lead to more costs and/or challenges than building on empty land. The property’s community value is also considered, as some historical buildings are meaningful to the people living there. Triterra analyzes every aspect of individual cases, providing personalized solutions that, ultimately, are all about driving the best outcomes from human, compliance, and budget perspectives.
“Protecting the environment is always the priority, but there has to be a business element to it. If we go too far with recommendations, we’re running the risk of clients’ projects falling through,” Don adds. “There has to be a healthy balance, and we’re looking out for both sides, ensuring sustainability is feasible.”
With years of experience, Triterra has assisted in the development of many projects, some more complicated than others. Don recounts a story of an old, turn-of-the-century school building as one of the most complex cases. Abandoned for decades, this historic building was transformed into 22 affordable housing units. After more than six years of development, it was completed in 2012 and has been fully occupied ever since. Through cold winter days, with constantly faltering electricity and frozen water, Triterra’s team persevered, dedicated to building a healthier community where people feel safe.
“If it was easy, everyone would do it,” Don muses. “Sure, the easier projects make more money and take less time, but it’s those challenging ones that leave a tangible, eternal impact.”
Reflecting on the process Triterra relies on, especially for more nuanced projects, Don lists the ‘yes or no’ stage as a crucial one, determining if a proposal is possible. The following steps include due diligence, analyzing economic aptness and the building’s realistic needs, and – finally – restoration. For the company, this detailed procedure is essential, shaping the full picture that empowers clients to make informed decisions.
“Every environmental firm I have worked for before struggled with recognition, and Triterra is no different. It’s difficult to recognize something that you can’t grasp,” concludes Don. “Especially when we work on the more difficult projects, it becomes nearly impossible. Truth is, I don’t need people to understand what we do; I want them to understand the importance of it. Environmental safety intertwines with all aspects of life, becoming the key to building safer, healthier, thriving communities.”
