Peter W. Rodino Federal Building Modernization

Newark, New Jersey
 

Winner, On the Boards Engineering Citation, GSA 2010 Design Awards

Description of Project:The American Recovery and Reinvestment has authorized $146 million for this 16-story building's first major upgrade in its 41-year history.  Completed in 1968, the 526,609 gross square foot Rodino Federal Building, located in the heart of Newark’s civic center, is the largest federal building in the State of New Jersey. 

The upgrade will construct a new glass curtain wall over the existing precast façade, which will transform the structure’s outward appearance. GSA will also renovate the interior offices spaces. While the building has received partial asbestos abatement in the past, this project will provide for abatement in the balance of the building. 

Sustainable Features

To provide for a more energy efficient building, this project has a goal of achieving U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Silver designation.  System enhancements in the structure will focus on high performance lighting, cooling plant, and air handling units. In addition, the new glass curtain wall will create an energy efficient dual curtain wall. GSA anticipates that these features will reduce overall energy use by approximately 32%.

Timeline

• Bridging documents are completed
• Design/Build contract award is completed
• Construction work began in October 2010
• 9th Floor renovation completed, tenant relocated back in August 2012
• 12th Floor renovation completed, tenant relocated back March 2012
• 14th Floor renovation completed, tenant relocated back February 2012
• Completion is anticipated for spring 2015

Contractor information: 

In August, 2009 GSA awarded the firm of Dattner Architects of New York a $3.45 million contract modification to begin preliminary design work and bridging documents on this project.  In addition to its own efforts on the project, Dattner also employed the services of nine other local companies as subcontractors and consultants.  Bovis Lend Lease of Princeton, NJ is providing construction management services and is contracting with five additional local firms as sub-consultants on the project. The modernization of the Rodino Federal Building will be completed under a design/build contract. A general construction contractor will be brought onto the project via that award. 

Bridging Architect:                Dattner Architects, New York City

Design/Build Contractor:       Tocci/Driscoll Joint Venture, Woburn, MA

Architect of Record:              KlingStubbins, Cambridge, MA and Philadelphia

Construction Manager:         Lend Lease, Ewing, NJ

Subcontracting Opportunities:

GSA anticipates some possible additional subcontracting opportunities remaining for this project. For more information, contact Al Bendig, Senior Project Manager, L.F. Driscoll Co, LLC, 9 Presidential Boulevard; Bala Cynwyd, PA 19003, phone 610-668-0950.