Robert F. Kennedy Building

Delon Hampton & Associates (DHA) provided structural engineering services for major renovations to a six-story, historic federal building designed in metric units. The steel frame building was evaluated for new loading requirements necessitated by: new mechanical equipment, planned library spaces, new high-density filing and storage systems, and other improvements. The facility, including the underground parking garage, underwent a complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing overhaul. Most of the equipment used in the renovation was located in areas that were not able to support the additional loading. As a result, various designs for strengthening the floors and additional structural penetrations was needed.  

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Due to extensive corrosion damage, the main existing courtyard area had to be demolished and rebuilt. Corrosive damage and deterioration was also so far advanced in the underground parking structure that totally replacing the garage proved more economical than repairing it. Temporary hoist ways, knock-cut panels, and lifts located within the courtyard assisted in the relocation and removal of existing equipment within the building and installation of new mechanical and electrical equipment.

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The project was an intricate, three-phased construction, which took over seven years to complete. During the phased construction, interim swing space was used to provide temporary work spaces within the building.