The Frank J. Hagel Federal Building is a six-story structure with a below-grade basement, a low-slope roof and exterior plazas. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the main tenant of the building and suffered from ongoing water intrusion into the basement from the plaza above. Interactive Resources was retained by the General Services Administration to investigate and report on the feasibility of repairing the leaks.

Our feasibility study, based on site visits/inspections, testing and review of existing documentation, determined that the cause of water intrusion was the pervasive failure of the Plaza waterproofing membrane. We prepared a final report that included a summary of our findings and estimated replacement costs based on various paving systems for the replacement of the West, East, North and South plazas. Schematic design, construction documents and cost estimates were prepared for the repairs.

We worked with a landscape architect to design the pavers that were dry laid in a unified, contemporary and flexible pattern for easy replacement and movability. Updated seating options were arranged so that groups of different sizes could inhabit the space for work breaks, lunches or events. Bands of wide circular planters are in all the plazas as a means of softening the spaces with plant life.

The entire site experienced an overhaul in planting from what was once water consumptive to an almost all native, drought-resistant plant palette; thus, dramatically reducing the annual water allowance.

“Interactive Resources performance during the life of this contract was outstanding. The team (mostly the Principal Tom Butt) were very quick to respond, thorough, and efficient in answering the Construction Contractor’s questions and in reviewing submittals during construction. A large number of unforeseen conditions at the end of the project’s demolition work have delayed this project’s schedule. But the Contractor worked diligently to address these conditions (i.e, reviewing submittals, drafting Architect’s Supplemental Instructions, responding to Requests for Information submitted by the Construction Contractor) in a very timely manner. The Contractor’s management team was very responsive, with the team extending themselves to make sure the project moved forward and that none of the delays could be attributed to inaction on their part. The plazas design meets all GSA regulations and complies with local coding requirements. The entire Interactive Resources team was extremely responsive and professional throughout the life of this contract; it was truly a pleasure to work with them on this project. I would definitely work with them again if I had a project in areas where they operate or if they were interested in working at all in Region 10.”

– Colleen Butler, General Services Administration