With facade up, Jones Building takes shape

  • Published
  • By Benjamin Newell
  • AFDW Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  With much of the façade in place and at 47 percent completion, The William A. Jones III Building is beginning to resemble a five story, green office complex that will house Airmen from several organizations throughout the National Capital Region on Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

The Blizzard of 2010 set construction back a few weeks, but contractors have worked steadily to catch back up and are now 2 percent short of the projected completion percentage for this date. Occupants from several agencies should be able to move in to the facility in Spring, 2011. The Air Force District of Washington and the 316th Wing will each occupy one full floor in the summer.

As one of the larger Air Force office spaces in the region, the Jones Building will offer occupants new communications equipment and more versatility than the aging complex it is replacing. From the green roof lined with low maintenance flora that keeps the building cooler in the summer to intelligently designed floor plans that allow for better airflow, the Jones building is designed to maximize efficiency.

"A lot of the detail work going on inside the building with 'flexible designs' will allow us to move workstations around and restructure much of the available space to suit evolving organizations," said Dr. Mike Hassan, AFDW civil engineer. "The majority of space in this building is adjustable. Cubicles, some walls, hardwires and floor layouts will make for a workplace that integrates to the worker, rather than the worker integrating to the space."

The Jones Building must pass two major milestones before Airmen can move in. The first is construction completion, expected in March. Construction completion includes physical walls, floors, ceilings and windows. The second milestone will be completion of the furnishing and communications equipment. When this stage is complete, tenants will be able to move onto some floors.

"Floors one, three and four will be housing 82 agencies, including Air Staff, headquarters Air Force representatives, and many other customers," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Szatanek, deputy chief of programs for AFDW Installations and Mission Support. With a projected total investment of $114.3 million, the Air Force will use the building to house Air Force District of Washington and 316th Wing headquarters, as well as bring in several organizations currently leasing space outside of military facilities, in accordance with BRAC laws.

The major reason for the building's construction is to provide a protected working location for agencies affected by BRAC laws. Opening the building to outside agencies prior to on-base customers allows them to get out from under their existing costly building leases without incurring penalties, according to Colonel Szatanek. It is yet another way that the Jones Building saves the Air Force money.

Jones building inhabitants will have unparalleled technology at their disposal, including integrated video teleconferencing capabilities in conference rooms and adjustable office spaces. "This really will be a green and technologically advanced building," said Colonel Szatanek. "We're proud to say that it is nearly back on track after severe weather-related setbacks. The Jones Building is a great example of how the Air Force is moving out ahead of legal requirements and environmental concerns."