Grunley has been commissioned by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to modernise the Lafayette Building. Within the existing building space spanning 565,000 square feet, Grunley will refurbish the exterior façade and windows, replace or upgrade interior finishes and upgrade all of the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and security systems. Under the contract, Grunley is expected to preserve significant historic features of the building.
All hazardous materials accessible at the time of construction will be removed. The project will also include building amenity spaces such as a healthcare unit, wellness centre, and concession area.
The improvement project will be carried out in two phases over nearly six years. A portion of the funding for the project was provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. GSA has currently awarded $55 million Phase 1 scheme, which is due for immediate commencement. The building will remain fully functional and partially occupied throughout the project. The project is designed to achieve a LEED-Gold rating under New Construction and Major Renovations standard.
Originally built in 1940, the Lafayette Building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2005. The current tenants include the Export-Import Bank, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and commercial retail entities.
