Feature Project

John L. O'Brien Building

Upgrades to the John L. O’Brien Building on the Capitol Campus will improve seismic stability, and the mechanical and electrical systems. The five-story, 100,000-square-foot building was completed in 1940, and contains legislative offices and public hearing rooms for the House of Representatives. Since the work is so extensive and there is inadequate space to relocate staff and member offices during the legislative session, the work will occur during the interim periods between sessions.

The $46 million renovation will be carried out over a four-year period in four phases. The building will be occupied throughout construction. First-phase work will take place in the basement. Plans call for seismic reinforcements, fire and sprinkler systems, a new air-handling unit, new vaults for the electrical and mechanical systems, and replacement of single-pane window glass with energy-efficient glass. The projects won't alter the exterior of the Neoclassical Revival building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Phase 1 construction started with mobilization in May and will conclude active construction by the end of November 2009. The four-phase project, depending on the availability of funding for phases 2, 3, and 4, will be completed in November 2012.  Future phases will include adding skylights, replacing HVAC equipment, building seismic shear walls, improving bathrooms and hearing rooms, and upgrading lighting, elevators and hot-water heating.

The architectural firm is Ambia-Inc., and Berschauer Phillips is the general contractor.