U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters

The Headquarters Campus for the U.S. Census Bureau utilized design-build with bridging as the method of delivery, involving the preparation of a concept design followed by a separate solicitation to select an architect/contractor team to prepare the final design and to build the project. Considered the third largest project by dollar amount handled by GSA’s Public Building Service, National Capital Region, it was designed to achieve LEED® Gold Certification.

Turner & Townsend Heery, in a joint venture, provided Construction Management services for the new 1.5 million U.S. Census Bureau Campus. The campus co-located 6,000 Bureau employees who occupied space in three different Suitland Federal Center buildings. The new Headquarters was built in two phases in a campus setting, consisting of two office buildings and two parking garage structures containing a total of 3,100 spaces.

Incorporating numerous innovative design features into the buildings contributed to the complexity of the project. A state-of-the-art under-floor air distribution system utilized in all office spaces allows major flexibility in office reconfiguration and user control of air supply. In addition, an advanced lighting dimming system controls lighting levels throughout the building to allow for energy conservation. Motion sensors installed in each individual office, bathrooms, and copy rooms provide energy savings throughout the building. Another unique design element is the use of a wood-paneled solar screen system on the exterior of the buildings.