Design-Build Team Selected for the Modernization of the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building and U.S. Courthouse Window Upgrade

Denver, CO – The design-build team for the modernization of the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building has been officially selected by the General Services Administration. The team includes: Mortenson Construction (serving as the Design-Builder); Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects (serving as Architect of Record); HOK (serving as the Design Architect); The RMH Group, Inc. (serving as the Mechanical and Electrical Engineer); Rocky Mountain Institute (serving as the High Performance Green Building Consultant), and Martin/Martin, Inc. (serving as the Structural Engineer and Blast Consultant).

Work on the 620,000-square-foot Byron G. Rogers government federal building, which is home to 11 federal agencies and is located at 1961 Stout Street in downtown Denver, will include 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.

“This renovation project will set high standards in regards to taking an existing structure and transforming it into a highly efficient and sustainable structure that will meet and exceed expectations for a 21st century building,” said Bob Hansen, vice president and general manager of Mortenson Construction’s Denver office.  “We’re very excited to be part of this tremendous team, and provide the GSA with a building modernization that we hope will become their standard.”
 
Building upgrades will include the replacement of the mechanical, electrical, lighting, fire protection, and plumbing systems, as well as replacement of all exterior windows and complete renovation of all tenant spaces and most public spaces.  Additionally, super-efficient LED lighting, high-performance building/lighting controls, and thermal storage tanks to preserve building energy will be installed.   Additional sustainable features include:

• Solar thermal collectors on the roof are planned to provide all of the building's domestic hot water.
• Reduction of 15 percent in elevator transportation energy by utilizing regenerative drive technology.

The office tower will also be upgraded to comply with current building codes, GSA facility requirements, and current seismic and progressive collapse criteria. 

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.

“Our goal is to breathe new sustainable life into this valuable historic asset,” says Martha L. Bennett, FAIA, principal-in-charge, Bennett Wagner & Grody Architects. “This complex has been a pivotal component in framing GSA’s renewed respect for its plethora of mid-century modern era buildings; the ARRA funding provides an enormous and timely opportunity to enhance the value of this structure as we move it past the target of LEED Platinum toward the 2030 Net-Zero Benchmarks.”

"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, lead designer, HOK. "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."

Work on the Byron G. Rogers government complex will result in the implementation of innovations in sustainable building design; creation of superior workplaces for civilian Federal employees; provisions for increased security and safety for tenants and visitors; and cost effective and reliable construction based on “best value” decisions.  This high performance green building project will continue GSA’s legacy of outstanding public architecture by providing a balance between historic significance and current needs and aesthetics.

Work is scheduled to begin in October 2010 with construction completion in December 2012.