$61M Satellite Center Moves Forward

SUITLAND, MD-Development plans for the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building within the Suitland Federal Center have taken a giant leap toward realization of the $61-million project with 3D/International Inc.’s appointment as construction manager for the endeavor. The federal government’s real estate arm, the US General Services Administration, awarded the contract for the 208,000-sf structure to 3D after the typically lengthy and intricate selection process. The construction services company will also provide inspection services.

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.