U.S. Census Bureau - Headquarters Campus

To help prepare the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2010 “decennial,” the term for the gargantuan data gathering it undertakes each decade, Congress funded a new headquarters for the bureau, whose staff was scattered among at least three leased buildings throughout the Suitland area near Washington, D.C. The new 1.5 million SF headquarters consolidates the bureau’s 6,000 employees in one location, streamlining operations and facilitating collaboration. The new campus also houses the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) selected Heery, in joint venture, to oversee all facets of construction for the high-profile project. The joint venture’s role was all-encompassing, with the goal of managing the design and construction phases of the project to bring the bridging architect’s and client’s vision to fruition. The Heery JV managed the project from pre-design through post-occupancy, including numerous innovative design features such as: a state-of-the-art under-floor air distribution system; an advanced lighting control system; and a wood-paneled solar screen system on the exterior of the buildings.

Judicious project management paved the way for phase one completion and move-in during August 2006. The entire campus was completed on time and on budget and turned over to the client in 2007. 

From the outset, GSA laid forth rigorous benchmarks according to its Design Excellence and Construction Excellence programs, as well as aiming for a LEED Silver to recognize the complex’s emphasis on creating a sustainable work environment. The third largest project in dollar amount handled by GSA’s Public Building Service, National Capital Region, it received a citation for Design Excellence and LEED Silver Certification.