by Brianna Crandall — January 31, 2011—GSA Administrator Martha Johnson, Rep. John Lewis, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, and members of the King family gathered January 14 for a rededication of Atlanta’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently completed major renovations to the Depression-era building, the first federal building nationwide named to honor the civil rights leader.
“It’s only fitting that a historic and sustainable building embody a historic and sustainable dream,” said Johnson. “GSA’s renovation of this Atlanta landmark shows what can be achieved when we maintain historic elements that make a building special while integrating new technologies to make it more efficient. This renovation will ensure that the building honors Dr. King’s legacy long into the future.”
The renovation showcases many “green” technologies and historic preservation practices. For example, all materials used were either recycled or manufactured within 500 miles of the site to cut down on the environmental impact of the renovation. GSA also cut the building’s long term energy use by installing an adjustable lighting system that takes into account natural light, low flow plumbing fixtures, and an insulated and reflective roof to help regulate the temperature inside the building.
To preserve the historic building, approximately 6,000 faade stones were removed, tagged and cataloged for precise replacement in their original location. Inside, original paint colors, plaster and stonework were restored. Much of the building’s aging electrical, mechanical, and plumbing infrastructure was replaced, adding decades to the useful life of the building. GSA says the project employed more than 800 people in the multiyear, $62 million renovation.
The MLK Building served as a post office from its completion in 1933 until GSA acquired it in 1983. In 1988, it became the first federal building to bear the name of the famous civil rights leader. It has housed several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Currently, the building serves as a regional GSA headquarters.
