On May 15, 2018, Owner’s Representative Project Manager, Axias, hosted a tour for CMAA’s National Capital Chapter of JBG Smith’s new office building, which is currently under construction in Bethesda, Maryland. Chapter members were briefed on the project and then led through an on-site tour.
The new building will not only be a new trophy asset for the REIT developer, but also their new headquarters. Nestled into the bustling Bethesda Row area, the building is located within steps of popular restaurants, new offices and condominiums as well as other commercial centers. Upon completion, JBG Smith will occupy a significant portion of the available square footage alongside other high-profile tenants, such as HOST Hotels.
The 14-story property is a post-tensioned, poured-in-place concrete frame clad in a full glass curtain-wall exterior. The progressive design will feature a monumental stair in the lobby and 2nd floor, along with several other communicating stair openings on upper tenant floors, a fitness center, and a penthouse amenity space for tenant use and interaction. Currently underway pouring the 10th floor, the building structure is set to be topped out this summer, with substantial completion scheduled for early 2019.
NCC President, Cindy Quiroz, welcomed chapter members and guests to the tour. Axias Project Manager, Jack Mutty, presented rendered images of the building at its completion, showing how architects MGMA and Shalom Baranes have worked together with their team of consultants to produce a trophy-level building design. Jack reviewed the project team players and their roles and responsibilities, including general construction contractor, Lendlease, and explained how the project team interacts and works well together to solve challenges. Included in the presentation was a review of project’s safety programs and management systems/software for tracking and controlling schedule, cost and managing information.
Following the presentation, Chapter members were led through the building where they were shown several areas of construction underway. The tour witnessed the very early stages of curtainwall installation. One of the more challenging areas of the structure is in the area where the new building bridges over an alley and ties into the neighboring building.
Overall, an excellent tour and presentation, and a great chance for chapter members to see first-hand best practices in use on a challenging project.
