Completed in 1932 and standing 22 stories tall with two basement floors, the J.W. McCormack Courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Required improvements include extensive space alterations, modernization and upgrading of the HVAC system, mechanical electrical, and fire alarm systems for increased energy efficiency.

Other work required for code compliance includes limited seismic reinforcement, exterior improvements and hazardous materials abatement. The project will remove asbestos insulation throughout the building, bring building egress into compliance with current code requirements, and provide for space alterations to modernize deteriorated office areas throughout the building. It will provide exterior and minor seismic work, upgrade fire alarm system, and improve obsolete electrical systems.

Other major components of the project will include replacement of all single pane windows with energy efficient units matching existing windows to comply with historical preservation requirements. Insulation will be blown into the cavity spaces inside the exterior envelope to reduce energy consumption. The work will also upgrade the building to meet current handicap accessibility requirements.

Setty & Associates energy modelers provided a Building Energy Model by using DOE-2.1 and determined the energy consumption target at the building boundary. Our work utilized Chapters 5 and 6 of GSA’s PBS P-100 for all the inputs.