Northwest Greening in Action

Redevelopment and modernization of the Federal Center South complex near Seattle began in July 2010. The renovation project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide an ideal location for agencies whose missions require them to be in or near Seattle, but whose security requirements would normally prohibit a downtown location. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one such agency.

The facility’s current configuration does not meet the seismic, security, or operational needs of the Corps of Engineers. GSA conducted an evaluation of alternatives, including the renovation of the Corps’ existing space. The agency concluded that the redevelopment of a warehouse on the complex site into high-performance office space would meet the security and growth requirements more cost-effectively, with less operational disruption.

The building is expected to attain gold certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the U.S. Green Building Council. Among the many green features of the new building is extensive use of natural daylight, conversion of existing hardscape into low-impact sustainable green space, use of recycled timbers and other building materials, and an energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that uses under-floor air distribution. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2012.

GSA is investing $5.5 billion of Recovery Act funds in building modernization and construction projects across the country. The Federal Center South project has created work for numerous people in the Seattle area, including Jeremy Fredericks, who is featured in the adjoining video. Watch his story.

Read more about GSA’s Recovery Act efforts.