A multi-studio team collaborated for this complex overhaul; HGA led the workplace design and engineering efforts with Snow Kreilich Architects and Studio NYL leading the design of the public spaces and high-performance exterior envelope with OLIN leading landscape design.

Located on the Social Security Administration Woodlawn Campus, the Arthur J. Altmeyer Building serves as the primary offices for Senior Social Security Administration personnel. The building was originally constructed in 1959 and includes 10 occupied stories with mechanical systems for much of the campus housed in the basement and a two-story penthouse on the roof. With many of the original systems and office design still in place, the GSA recognized the opportunity to update the building into a state-of-the art and high performance modern office to serve the Social Security Administration for generations to come. The modernization and renovation included a complete re-cladding, all-new mechanical systems, and new stairs and elevator cores.

“Our goal with this project was to maximize the existing building’s structure. We created a state-of-the-art and high-performance modern office reusing the existing structure and maintaining the campus power plant,” said Mia Blanchett, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal and Government Market Sector Leader at HGA.

Matthew Kreilich, FAIA, Principal of Snow Kreilich Architects, stated, “Our team designed a high-performance and cost-effective façade that maximized views and daylight into every workplace. We did this through collaboration with our engineers and adapting each façade to address glare and solar heat gain based on solar orientation. The result is a more transparent and welcoming headquarters facility that reflects the values and mission of Social Security Administration.”

The original cast concrete building had a narrow 54’ wide floor plate and was organized with one or two person offices flanking each side of a double loaded corridor. By re-configuring the building to modern size standards and utilizing flexible work strategies, the building will now accommodate 33 percent more people while providing a work café breakroom at the center of each floor allowing for SSA to consolidate real estate across the region and bring all critical support segments under one roof. In addition, the design increases the number of focus rooms, phone rooms, and high tech conferencing spaces of various sizes throughout the building.

All new MEP systems throughout provide improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort for a modern, sustainable workplace.

The project is targeted for a LEED Silver certification as a result of the innovative façade design by Studio NYL, SKA, and HGA, that increases the building’s energy capabilities to meet modern code energy standards.