101 Congress Parkway Federal Building

101 Congress Parkway Federal Building

The Department of Homeland Security Story In 2001, the General Services Administration (GSA) contracted with the Clark Street Design Group (a tri-venture comprised of HDR, Syska Hennessy Group and Neumann/Smith & Associates) to renovate the first five floors and a portion of the lower level for federal agency occupancy. Neumann/Smith & Associates is the design architect; Syska Hennessy Group provided the preliminary mechanical and electrical design as well as final commissioning services; and HDR served as the project manager and architect and engineer of record. The renovation allowed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Customs and Border Patrol to consolidate operations from several leased locations in Chicago to one government-owned building. Cloud sculptures by Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle suspended in the multistory atrium The Exterior DHS Client Waiting Area

Art in Architecture Due to its prominent location and the historic nature of the existing structure, the GSA obtained the design through the Design Excellence Program. The resulting design includes a variety of architectural features. A covered entry sequence segregating visitors from the DHS staff is followed by a voluminous skylit atrium waiting room incorporating visitor seating and visitor escalator access to floors two and three. A high ceilinged multi-use auditorium space, seemingly suspended within the atrium, is used for swearing-in ceremonies. Two major pieces of art are integrated into the building in prominent locations as part of GSA s Art in Architecture Program. Each was specifically created by the artist to enhance the buildings interior. The DHS Client Entrance, Congress Parkway Wall mural by Arturo Herrara in the Congress entrance

Legacy The existing 10-story building, originally built in 1912 as a publishing facility for Rand McNally, was designed as a large industrial loft. The ground floor contained retail shops and lobby spaces. A large openair courtyard served as a service area, with truck access to loading docks. The south half of the second floor contained the executive offices of Rand McNally and received a higher level of finish. Other floors of the building were dedicated to printing and publishing services. All floors of the steel and concrete frame building had exposed concrete ceilings, columns and beams, creating the archetypical industrial loft interior. Skylights looking up from the Atrium Underfloor air system Waiting area with Chicago view

Sustainable Sustainable Highlights: The use of daylighting techniques optimized energy efficiency and improved interior lighting by removing existing dropped ceilings and restoring access to windows previously hidden above the suspended ceiling tiles. This design feature optimized energy efficiency and exceeded current energy codes. Underfloor air systems are more energy efficient, provide cleaner air, and are generally more comfortable to building occupants than their conventional overhead counterparts. The use of an underfloor air system within this existing historic building enabled the design team to take advantage of original building elements, including tall windows and exposed structural ceilings. Carpets, paints, and adhesives used in the building are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These compounds impact indoor air quality and are detrimental to occupant well-being. Mindful not only of the building occupants but of the Earth s limited resources as well, the design conserved natural resources by using products manufactured with recycled content. The GSA has a strong national sustainable design program. Its commitment to proactive sustainable solutions greatly helped in clearing the hurdles that accompanied the demanding nature of this project. The building is registered as a LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED CI) Project. The integration between design and sustainable features provides the DHS employees and visitors with exceptional indoor air quality and an engaging aesthetic experience. By incorporating flexibility into the design, the building supplies the space needed for current operations and offers area for future expansion. The location of the building contributes to the continued revitalization of Chicago s South Loop and the Printer s Row Area. Additionally, the building is conveniently located near Chicago s extensive public transportation system. This will make it easier for employees and visitors to come to the facility without requiring a car. 536 South Clark, Prior to Modernization 536 South Clark, After Modernization

Considering All Things The DHS needed to accommodate hundreds of visitors and their families each day, to separate public traffic from the DHS employee circulation, to separate employee area functions from public areas. Many visitors arrive unsure of their exact needs and require assistance and direction. The arrival sequence was designed to provide a clear and logical system to help all visitors, many of whom do not speak or read English. Special design features were incorporated to accommodate all types of visitors. Security Control Center Artists Rendering of New Atrium View from the building to downtown Chicago showing vehicle resistive bollards

A secure holding area and court facility is provided in the facility with separate secured traffic circulation and security systems controls. In order to provide government vehicles with secure access to the facility, LaSalle Street between Harrison Street and West Congress Parkway was closed to unauthorized vehicles to provide a restricted access sally port and loading/receiving area. Mechanically operated, bi-fold doors, vehicle-resistive barriers block-off both ends of the controlled area. Manned guard stations for security screening of vehicles entering the area, augmented by electronic access control, intercom and video surveillance systems, ensure that only authorized vehicles gain access to this highly restricted space. Court Room Information Desk and Waiting Area in the Atrium Area

Technology and Security The tenant agencies in the building each have special and different security needs. To accommodate the mixture of public, employee, and law enforcement personnel, the screening and access systems throughout the building are based on customized, decentralized access control, intrusion detection, and digital video surveillance and recording. All systems are provided with a redundant power system. The security considerations provide a facility with both passive and active counterterrorism measures, including blast-resistant window frames and glazing, and external vehicle barrier systems. Remodeled Historic Clark Street Entrance Security equipment at the Congress entrance

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