Project Description:
The interior and exterior upgrades to the John A. Wilson Building include assessment, repair, replacement, and modernization of the John A. Wilson Building's HVAC systems, elevator, and supporting infrastructure. Work includes cooling tower replacement, chiller and pump upgrades, mechanical and plumbing improvements, building automation upgrades, elevator modernization, window restoration and weatherization, replacement of exterior lighting with LED fixtures, and related electrical upgrades. The project is being executed in phases to minimize disruption to ongoing building operations.
October 2026 Construction Updates
Elevator Upgrades:
The elevator modernization work is set to begin and includes replacement and upgrade of all 7 existing major elevators and system components, including:
- New elevator cab interiors and finishes
- New operating panels and fixtures
- New controllers and control systems
- New machine-room equipment and drive systems
- Modernization of hoistway components and associated equipment
- Electrical and controls upgrades required to support the new equipment
Planned Elevator Phasing
Elevator work will be phased to accommodate the operational needs of the occupied building. Each elevator phase will take approximately 5.5 months.
Phase 1 - Elevators 5&6
Planned Construction Period Starts: Fall 2026
Phase 2 - Elevators 1 & 2
Planned Construction Period Starts: Summer 2027
Phase 3 - Elevators 3, 4, & 7
Planned Construction Period Starts: Fall 2027
HVAC Upgrades:
Construction activities continued throughout the building with major progress on HVAC modernization efforts. Cooling Towers 1 and 2 have been installed and commissioned
Demolition of Chillers 3 and 4 and associated mechanical infrastructure are forthcoming
The project team will continue with cooling tower support improvements, pump upgrades, and ceremonial office HVAC work
The overall project remains in active construction
Window Upgrades:
Window restoration mock-ups have been completed to validate repair methods and material selections
The project team will continue with window restoration implementation
Project Details:
Address: 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Ward: 1
DGS Project Manager: Jason Boral
Project Status: Construction
Project Delivery: Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
Architect: Ronnie McGhee and Associates
General Contractor: SPD Contracting, Inc.
Current Budget: $23 Million
Construction Start Date: Summer 2026
Construction End Date: Spring 2028
DGS Contact: Brittany Hughes