Little more than a decade ago, through the Design Excellence Program, GSA set out to change federal architecture to produce buildings that could be a source of pride in their communities.
Below are a few examples of GSA-managed award-winning programs enhancing the Washington, DC community:
Sustainable Design
The Census Headquarters in Suitland, MD is eligible for a Silver LEED rating, and has received a citation for Sustainability/Workplace Environment from the 2006 GSA Design Awards. Potomac Yards 1 and 2 in Arlington, VA, completed in July 2006, are eligible for a Gold LEED rating. They serve as the new location for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) and Office of Prevention Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS).
Construction Excellence
The World War II Memorial received a citation for Construction Excellence from the 2004 GSA Design Awards. The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluations and Research in White Oak, Maryland also received this citation from the 2006 GSA Design Awards.
Engineering/Technology
The new headquarters for the Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA received a citation for excellence in Engineering/Technology from the 2006 GSA Design Awards.
Conservation/Restoration
The sculpture, entitled "Man Controlling Trade," is one of a pair outside the Federal Trade Commission building. It was completed in 1942 by New York sculptor, Michael Lantz. In 2003 it was awarded a GSA Public Buildings Service Heritage Award for Conservation/Restoration.
Architecture
The Harvey E. Wiley Federal Building, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, in College Park, MD., pleasantly infuses natural daylight into offices, labs, and public spaces alike. This building received a citation for architecture from the 2002 GSA Design Awards.
GSA's National Capital Region (NCR) Public Building Service (PBS) is responsible for satisfying the workspace needs of the federal community within the greater Washington DC metropolitan area. Its commitment extends to local communities as well, through revitalization initiatives, collaboration with neighborhood, volunteer, and cultural groups, and by making our federal buildings and tenants integral parts of the community in which they are located.