The craftily designed NOAA structure will sport a three-story tower to encase satellite operations and a computer center, and it will also encase a state-of-the-art office space capped by a skylight-adorned dome. A parking garage structure capable of accommodating 280 vehicles is also part of the new facility. "We're really looking forward to working on this project," 3D senior vice president Lee Ivey shares with GlobeSt.com "It has a challenging design and a challenging building construction." Joint venture Morphosis/Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering PC of Santa Monica, CA, which won the architectural contract in September of 2000, is behind the NOAA building design.

The GSA's next step is the selection of a contractor for the project--a decision in which 3D officials will not be involved. NOAA's current home is also within the Suitland Center and it will be demolished to make room for the new building. GSA officials will also demolish the US Census Bureau's building on the same campus in order to make room for its new headquarters. The official groundbreaking for the NOAA project is scheduled to take place in March.