by Brianna Crandall — December 18, 2013—The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) just announced that three federal agencies will be moving to the new One World Trade Center in New York City. GSA plans to move its regional headquarters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District headquarters, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New York Field Office to six floors of high-quality office space in the iconic building.
This move marks the return of the federal government to the site, which federal agencies have been a part of since 1973, and delivers on the federal government’s commitment to the redevelopment of the World Trade Center Complex and Lower Manhattan following the devastating terrorist attacks on the buildings on September 11th, 2001. It also gives the federal agencies the office space they need to serve the American people, notes GSA.
The agencies are planning to move in late 2015 to floors 50 through 55. Last year, GSA secured a lease agreement for approximately 270,000 feet of space for an initial term of 20 years. GSA will create flexible and collaborative workspaces that reduce these agencies’ footprints by an average of 40 percent.
This lease will help the federal government reduce its overall real estate needs in Manhattan as it occupies space in One World Trade Center. In preparation for the move, GSA will offer government-owned space at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan to other tenants in the region. GSA and USACE will leave the Javits Federal Building and CBP will leave leased space in Midtown Manhattan.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, will soar a symbolic 1,776 feet above New York City to become the tallest building in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. With its shimmering glass curtain walls and towering antennae, the 2.6 million-square-foot building designed by David M. Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill will include office space, an observation deck, world-class restaurants, and broadcast and antennae facilities.
Sustainability is reportedly integral to the building’s design, which features renewable energy, interior daylighting, reuse of rainwater, and recycled construction debris and materials. The below-grade concourses will connect to an extensive transportation network.
One WTC also incorporates advanced life-safety systems that exceed New York City building code requirements, say the developers. It sets a new safety benchmark for high-rise buildings with structural redundancy, dense fireproofing, biochemical filters, extra-wide pressurized stairs, multiple backups on emergency lighting, and concrete protection for all sprinklers. Exits are designed to ensure easy evacuation, and all safety systems are encased in the core wall, with the enhanced elevators.
The 104-story building is currently 55% leased to tenants Conde Nast, Vantone China Center, and GSA, and is expected to open in 2014.
