The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) modernization of the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building delivers significant returns on sustainability investments. The 18-story 494,156 square foot building, which is home to 11 federal agency tenants, was originally built in the 1960s and required a deep retrofit to reduce energy use while preserving its historical significance. 

Mortenson was hired as the design-builder of a fully integrated design-build team that delivered a high-performing building that 
uses substantially less energy, costs less to operate and maintain, complies with federal mandates, and led to greater occupant satisfaction while upholding historic preservation mandates. 

Building upgrades included 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, an innovative chilled beam system, super-efficient LED lighting, high-performance building/lighting controls, and thermal storage tanks to preserve building energy were installed.  Additional sustainable features include solar thermal collectors on the roof to provide all of the building’s domestic hot water and a reduction of 15 percent in elevator transportation energy by utilizing regenerative drive technology. The project is expected to receive LEED Gold certification.

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