“By consolidating these locations we are not just eliminating redundant rents and space, but also encouraging collaboration among government workers by creating open workspace,” Administrator Dan Tangherlini said. Caitlin Fairchild/GovExec.com file photo
GSA Pinpoints 19 Federal Properties Ripe for Consolidation
Savings in canceled leases and lowered energy costs would top $67 million.
The General Services Administration on Monday listed 19 federal buildings around the country it is targeting for consolidation as part of its ongoing quest to economize through reduced leasing and office layouts that encourage shared space.
Within GSA’s inventory of 9,000 properties totaling 377.9 million square feet of workspace are 19 properites that are being reconfigured. “This investment will save federal agencies $17 million in annual rent payments and reduce the federal footprint by 507,000 rentable square feet, plus reduce the government’s leasing costs by more than $38 million,” the agency said in a news release.
Besides lowering energy costs by reducing the carbon footprint, GSA is seeking workplace efficiency “by creating open work spaces, which eliminate the traditional four-walled office and provide staff the flexibility to work wherever their team is located. This encourages creative collaboration and increased productivity with less square footage,” the agency said.
The properties where changes are estimated to save more than $67 million range from the Austin, Texas, Federal Courthouse to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and Courthouse in San Diego to Washington D.C.’s Mary E. Switzer Building at 330 C Street Southwest.
“By consolidating these locations we are not just eliminating redundant rents and space, but also encouraging collaboration among government workers by creating open workspace,” Administrator Dan Tangherlini said. “We’re ushering in a new day for office space throughout the federal government.”
