The plaza reconstruction continues through fall 2012

By next fall, the large pedestrian plaza at the southwest corner of Worth and Lafayette Streets will reopen as a shady open space in the heart of the Civic Center. Known as Federal Plaza, the square is being rebuilt by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Work began in late 2010, with the help of $16.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds, and addresses water-seepage issues in the underground parking area directly beneath the plaza.The project includes significant improvements to the current waterproofing and drainage systems, as well as the plazas redesign.

New York-based architectural firm Wank Adams Slavin Associates is leading the effort, in collaboration with landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. There are multiple special features being incorporated in part to make the plaza more energy-efficient and welcoming to the growing downtown residential population.

The plazas northern portion will be ringed with colorful Magnolia soulangeana trees and groundcover of indigenous evergreen shrubs. A central water feature will spring from the new paving, itself designed to reflect the federal buildings faade pattern. New stairs, marble benches, and green landforms also will help tie the building to the plazas surrounding walkways and to the landscaped Foley Square across Lafayette Street.

The GSA also is investing $6 million to conduct energy audits on the federal building to make it more efficient, thereby lowering operational and maintenance costs for the 40-year-old complex. Work will include the replacement of chillers and installation of advanced lighting controls on select floors.

The plaza renovation is planned for fall 2012 completion.

Ongoing project details can be found here.

*Photo courtesy of the U.S. General Services Admin. and Michael Van Valkenburgh Assoc.

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