Modernization of the Mary E. Switzer Building-Phase 2
Shown left is an interior view of the new skylights on the first floor. On the right is the installation of a geothermal well for the new ground-loop heat-pump system.
By: Jonathon Tackett, Project Engineer
The Mary E. Switzer Phase 2 Modernization Project involves the modernization of 311,000 SF of building space and the construction of a new 18,000 SF addition. The building is located at 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC; Phase 1 was completed by Grunley in 2008. Funding for Phase 2 is being provided by the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” Approximately one-half of the building has remained occupied throughout each phase. When complete the building will house tenants including the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the International Broadcasting Bureau.
Current Status
The material for the ground source heat pump wells is now on site and drilling has begun. Over the next several weeks, sixty-six wells measuring three hundred feet deep will be installed in what was previously the parking lot for the building’s tenants. The completed system is estimated to provide the Switzer Building with 20% of its peak cooling and heating capacity needs.
Inside of the multi-story Switzer Building, work on most of the floors is complete. The second floor has already been reoccupied by tenants while punch list items on floors three through five are nearly complete and final cleaning has begun. Installation of flooring, electrical fixtures, and final painting will be ongoing on sixth and seventh floors in the coming weeks.
What’s Next?
Over the last few months, Grunley has worked closely with the project team by providing constructability reviews and value engineering for a new Site Work and Streetscape Improvements package for the Switzer project. The re-design has been completed and work is expected to begin in the next couple months. The re-design includes complete demolition of the existing streetscape, site utilities, installation of bollards, granite curb and brick gutter, decorative metal work, limestone cladding, exposed aggregate paving and landscaping. The site work and streetscape improvements package is currently expected to be completed in the summer of 2012.
Date Posted: October 6, 2011