Page 66 - ArchDC_Winter 2019

Cafeteria before the most recent renovation.
Photo © GSA
Cafeteria. Photo © Anice Hoachlander/Hoachlander Davis Photography

Notwithstanding the participation in the pilot project, powers-that-be (in this case, the Federal Commission of Fine
certification under LEED didn’t kick in until Phase 4, when a Arts) wanted it. The blast-proofing of windows was largely
GSA leadership change brought a client entity keenly interested accomplished via interior storm-type windows. Even the
in sustainability. Since, at that point, three phases were new emergency exits, one per stair in accordance with the
already completed, the project could not pursue a full-building International Building Code, barely register. There is, in fact, one
certification. Instead there are four separate Interior Design immense exterior addition, but it’s not visible from the ground:
and Construction (LEED ID+C) certifications. Phases 4 and 5 more than 40,000 square feet of green roof.
received the base rating (“certified”) under LEED version 2; the The sheer duration of the project created a bond between
cafeteria received a platinum rating (the highest), also under the architect and building. “You think you get to know [the
LEED version 2; Phase 6 received a gold rating (next to highest) building] in the beginning of your relationship, and then
under LEED version 3; and the child care center received a through testing out the solutions to each of the challenging
platinum rating under LEED 2009. problems of integration, [you] keep discovering the more
A person who passed the building frequently during interesting aspects,” said Booher. “The building keeps teaching
those 23 years could almost be forgiven for thinking that you through the whole process. Working with historic buildings
security upgrades (e.g., barriers at vehicle entry points) and gives you an invaluable appreciation of ‘archaic’ materials and
sustainable landscaping were the primary aims of the work, the people who mastered them.”
because almost nothing else affected the building’s exterior. The Members of the project team, some of whom spent a
limestone façades of the building were cleaned and given basic considerable amount of their careers on the project, have of
maintenance, but there are almost no clues to the considerable course moved on. DOI employees are probably glad that the
modernization inside. This, of course, is how the preservation years of disruption are finally behind them and pleased to

64 INTERIOR MOTIVES