As advancers of sustainability in the built environment, we’re excited when we are able to move forward on a commission that seeks to further our sustainable mission. We’re ecstatic when those plans could help set a precedent for the federal government in the modernization of their building portfolio.

Cue the Excitement
On February 18, the GSA presented Mortenson Construction with a signed solicitation offer and award document for the Design/Build Modernization of the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building. A pursuit that began in August, six months prior to the award, it involved two phases – Phase I to show our qualifications and Phase II to present our design and cost proposal. Following our Phase II submission, we participated in an interview to further explore our proposal.

The Project
The 494,000-square-foot Office Building will receive complete design and construction for upgrades to the structural elements and all major building systems. The building upgrades are projected to reduce energy use by more than 80 percent over current levels and attain LEED Platinum certification. The adjacent, 248,000-square-foot Courthouse, renovated in 2005, will have its windows replaced with more energy-efficient products.

The total project budget is $129,569,364 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, with $4.85 million in ARRA funds allocated for the Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse energy efficiency window upgrades.

Mortenson Construction is serving as the design builder, Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects (who designed the 2005 renovation of the Courthouse) is the architect of record, and HOK is design architect. Construction should be complete in June 2013.

For more information about the project check out Contract Magazine’s article or the HOK Renew website story.

Designed for the Future
Throughout both phases of the submission, the team identified our primary goal as being to create “the” standard for GSA as they continually seek to update their portfolio.

“We are eager to collaborate with Mortenson and BWG to transform this important building into a showcase of sustainability and workplace efficiency for the federal government,” says Bob Blaha, HOK lead designer. “Our integrated design and construction team will create a high-performance workplace that sets the standard for GSA building renovations and serves as a model for attracting and retaining talent.”

Congrats to the team on this groundbreaking victory!