U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HEADQUARTERS BUILDING MODERNIZATION (OPTION 3)



2nd Floor stairway ready for drywall (left); 5th floor stairway taped and prime painted (right)


By: Phillip M. Fogarty, Project Engineer

Grunley Construction is simultaneously progressing toward completion of both the Wing 3 Modernization and the Cafeteria Tenant Fit Out of the U.S. Department of the Interior Headquarters Building in Washington, D.C.

Current Status

Demolition is substantially complete throughout the Wing, which has allowed for completion of all mechanical ducts, SCH & HW risers, sprinkler, conduit, and telecom rough-ins down to the first floor. Final paint and finishes are being completed on Floors 7 through 5. Ceramic tile and toilet fixture installation is ongoing.  The flooring on Floors 5 through 2 have the carpet delivered and are being prepped for installation. The material hoists, debris chutes, and scaffold back structures are being removed in preparation for site work to begin.

Emergency egress stair installations on both the East and West sides have been installed and are near completion.  These new stairwells have sprinklers installed and are closed in down to the 2nd Floor. 

Seven new skylights and a mechanical pad are being installed above the Cafeteria Dining Area. At both ends of the Cafeteria there are three historical murals that Grunley is protecting from construction debris and the elements. A temporary protection system, which includes roofing, scaffolding, tarps, and a scupper system are used to protect the existing murals during abatement and demo of the roof and installation of skylights.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has assisted with the MEP Coordination in the Cafeteria, paving the way for BIM to be used in later options. Mechanical and electrical equipment, including seven air handling units, a make up air unit, a Daylight Harvesting Control System, and Centralized Dimming and Switching System are the major Cafeteria MEP upgrades.

Terrazzo flooring, storefronts, and a whole new kitchen complete with quartz countertops and stainless steel equipment are scheduled to be installed. The scope in the Cafeteria includes coordinating work with the existing adjacent Credit Union, which will remain open during construction. The Cafeteria is scheduled to open in Spring 2010 and the project is seeking LEED® Silver Certification.

What’s Next?

Date Posted: Sept. 29, 2009