The new $144-million San Francisco Federal Building is slated for completion in November of 2006. Construction began on the 605,000-sf project in June 2002; the facility is now 75 percent complete. Featuring “green” building systems, the 18-story, 240-foot glass tower will be only 65 feet wide, allowing the entrance of natural light from both sides. An unconventional HVAC system, including opening windows, will replace standard air conditioning.
The facility will consolidate 1,600 federal employees from four separate agencies currently housed in five leased office locations. An adjacent four story, 100,000-sf building with conventional systems will house employees that interact with the public. The two facilities will be separated by a 3,000-sf cafeteria and public plaza. The sustainable building initiatives, which are expected to save $500,000 annually, added approximately 5 percent to the overall project cost.
The tower was designed by architect Thom Mayne.
