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Seismic renovation at RAY Federal Building completed ahead of schedule

Members of the team that worked on the seismic renovation project stand in front of a viscous damper.
Members of the team that worked on the seismic renovation project at the Robert A. Young Federal Building pose for a photo in front of a viscous damper at the project completion event Aug. 7. (Courtesy of McCarthy Building Companies)

By Alison Kohler

ST. LOUIS — A project that was a first for U.S. General Services Administration’s Heartland Public Buildings Service, was completed nearly 30 days ahead of schedule.

An innovative $75 million design-build renovation at the Robert A. Young Federal Building combined concrete shear walls, viscous dampers and steel braces to stabilize the building for life safety in the event of an earthquake. The use of viscous dampers and a structural renovation of a fully occupied federal building were both firsts for GSA.

“The project team did an amazing job delivering this very complex project effectively and efficiently,” said Heartland Regional Commissioner Kevin Rothmier at a project completion celebration event Aug. 7.

To complete the project with minimal disruption to the 40 government agencies, 400-600 daily visitors, and 2,700 occupants in the building, crews worked up to 21 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the following day, and restricted all of the noise, odor and dust-producing work to only occur after 6 p.m.

“In addition to the structural improvements, we opted to include non-structural bracing of components such as ceiling, interior partitions, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems throughout every square foot of this facility totaling over 1 million square feet,” Rothmier said.

GSA’s team customized moves for each tenant, some which involved relocating an entire office and others were temporary consolidations within tenant agency space. After spending a minimal amount of time in swing space, tenants were able to return to offices that were just as they left them.

Five people stand in front of a viscous damper at a seismic renovation completion event.
Sam Saffa of the Office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, GSA Senior Advisor Judy Dungan, GSA Regional Commissioner Kevin Rothmier, Mary Beth Wolf of the Office of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt and GSA Regional Administrator Michael Copeland pose for a photo Aug. 7 in front of a viscous damper after an event to celebrate completion of the seismic renovation project. (Courtesy of McCarthy Building Companies)

“One of GSA’s strategic goals is to make smart asset management decisions with our partners while keeping an eye toward responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and benefiting economic development within the local community,” Rothmier said.

Rothmier extended special thanks to GSA Project Manager Matt Meeks, Contracting Officer’s Representative John Lueker, Contracting Officer Vicky Ford, Contracting Specialist Audra Harrison, Field Office Director Patty Pelikan, Building Management Specialist Brian Barnett, and the entire GSA project management team.

“The exceptional coordination and collaboration resulted in the final phase being completed in May this year, which was nearly 30 days ahead of schedule,” Rothmier said. “This project represents a win for GSA, the RAY Federal Building tenants, American taxpayers, and the St. Louis community.”

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Last updated: Jan 31, 2024
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