DECEMBER 2014 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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and cooling systems tied to a 32-well geo-ex-
change loop; a dedicated outdoor air system
with evaporative cooling and heat recovery;
wireless controls, and fluorescent and LED
lighting upgrades; and post-occupancymon-
itoring capability.
New mechanical, electrical and life-safety
systems are sensitively integrated to not dis-
turb historic fabric. The building is situated
on a highly restricted site, which limited the
placement of the photovoltaic system to a
rooftop application. Therefore, the canopy
was set back as far as possible from the prin-
cipal south façade (also allowing an array of
unshaded solar panels on the south side of
the original roof) and carefully positioned
relative to the classical west and east facades.
The project team’s early partnership with
the city’s Preservation Board aided in the
city writing to the State Historic Preserva-
tion Office to support the proposed canopy
and ramp design, and allowed access to the
city’s adjacent alleyways to install 12 of the 32
geo-exchange wells to achieve site energy
goals.
To achieve the Site Net Zero energy goal,
submetering and ongoing monitoring of the
meter data were critical elements. Today, the
building’s performance can be monitored
down to the circuit level. Lighting, receptacle
use, HVACequipment loads, andcarbondiox-
ide levels aremonitoredwith data integrated
for display on a dashboard in the building’s
lobby. Any surplus energy has been exported
to the utility’s power grid and the building
has effectively served as a “utility.”
The project preserves the dignified, his-
toric significance of Grand Junction’s crown
jewel, while modernizing the landmark with
sustainability, vitality, and usefulness for ten-
ants and community. In the central business
district of a community serving as regional
anchor, the project demonstrates reinvest-
ment and partnership with a progressive,
supportive community to reinforce urban
fabric and livability.
This project will serve as a proving ground
for many innovative technologies and ap-
proaches. It shines a spotlight on historic
buildings, demonstrating that they are in-
herently sustainable and worthy of thought-
ful rehabilitation.
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Photos by Kevin G. Reeves,
Cleveland, Ohio
FACING PAGE:
GSA restored the historic
Wayne N. Aspinall Federal
Building and U.S. Court-
house in Grand Junction.
ABOVE:
GSA transformed the 1918
structure into an inno-
vative sustainable model,
achieving LEED Platinum
certification.
