GSA Federico Degetau Federal Office Building and Nazario Courthouse

Designing for the Integrity and Historic Consideration of Puerto Rico’s Courts’ System

Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

We used building information modeling technology for the design-build and integrated project delivery.

The courthouse complex includes multiple courtrooms with various capacities.

Upgrades included new electrical panels throughout the building, new energy-efficient LED lighting and lighting controls systems, fire alarm system upgrades, and a new building lighting protection system.

New solar thermal and photovoltaic systems were installed on the upper roof of the office building.

We assisted the General Services Administration with a modernization of the Federico Degetau Federal Office Building and the Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse complex to be consistent with the agency’s sustainability goals. The renovation of the facility resulted in a high-performance green building that also includes design aesthetics that reinforce the courts’ themes of dignity and fairness. Our improvements for the structures were made in the context of the buildings being considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

370,000

square-foot office building

100,000

square-foot courthouse

We performed design and construction phase services, including improvement and refurbishment of finishes in the public spaces and courtrooms, renovations of interior spaces and courtrooms, and a replacement of the building systems. The scope included replacement of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; removal and replacement of all ceilings and light fixtures; compliance of public areas with Federal Accessibility Standards; and correction of egress deficiencies. The building integrates numerous green strategies, such as the installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems on the rooftop of the office building. Work was performed while the building was fully occupied. Court operations were able to proceed uninterrupted during construction.

Additional services provided for the project included architecture, interior design, geotechnical engineering, construction administration, sustainable design, and signage/wayfinding.

Owner

General Services Administration

Square Footage

370,000 SF (office building); 100,000 SF (courthouse)

Cost

$70 million

Services

Architecture
Engineering

Markets

Federal
Justice

Regions

Mid-Atlantic

703.849.0100