"I have been looking forward to this day since Congress approved funding for this building 14 years ago, during my first term," Pelosi said. "With this contract, construction can finally begin on this much-needed building," Pelosi said.
The 18-story tower, to be located at 7th and Mission Streets on land donated by the City of San Francisco, is expected to be completed and occupied within three years.
The building will allow federal agencies currently operating at leased facilities throughout the city to be located in one place. Expected tenants include the Social Security Administration, the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of State.
"This is a building for the 21st century," said Pelosi. "With windows that open, shared spaces between offices, lots of natural light, a day-care center, and many energy saving measures, this building is designed to meet the public’s needs. San Francisco is again setting the standard for the nation."
The 590,000-square-foot building has been designed to reduce energy costs by
45 percent and is expected to save $500,000 per year in taxpayer dollars.