The William J. Green Jr. Federal Building in Center City Philadelphia, PA, is part of the largest federal complex in the city. It is named for a notable U.S. Congressman from Philadelphia who passed away in 1963 while in office. Constructed between 1970 and 1973, the complex also houses the James A. Byrne Courthouse. The Green Federal Building accommodates 13 federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security. Standing at 10 stories above ground, the building not only provides office space but also features amenities such as a full-service cafeteria, fitness center, credit union, conference center, health unit, and a plaza area for public gatherings.
After four decades, the Green Federal Building underwent a necessary upgrade. The GSA initiated a multi-year, two-phase project to realign and reconfigure office spaces, enhance various building systems, and optimize overall utilization. The goal was to maximize tenant space, relocate agencies from leased spaces, and modernize the building. The project emphasized efficient use of existing spaces, converting unused areas into fully functional spaces, and achieving modernization, all while the building maintained nearly full occupancy, with some agencies operating around the clock.
Chosen through the GSA’s Design Excellence Program, GPI provided design services for this design/bid/build project. This included mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire life safety aspects. The project involved a complete replacement of electrical and HVAC distribution systems in tenant spaces to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Upgrades and replacements were needed for key components of the building’s central plant, such as chillers, cooling towers, electrical infrastructure, and emergency power distribution. Alongside GSA standards, individual requirements from tenant agencies were also addressed.
Project Highlights
-
Owner/ClientGeneral Services Administration – Region 3
-
LocationPhiladelphia, PA
-
Size840,000 sqft
-
ServicesElectrical Engineering
Fire Protection Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
