Project Description

The Department of Public Utilities was in dire need of new facilities to meet variety of needs from housing and servicing vactor trucks, wastewater and freshwater testing facilities, general warehouse storage, and office, conferencing, training, and support for field teams. In order to meet all of those needs under one roof, the nbj team set out to renovate a dilapidated structure in the Manchester district in Richmond, VA.

The renovated space provides open office space in a dynamic high bay space with new sweeping skylights throughout. State of the art laboratories provide ample space for scientists current needs with the opportunity for future expansion should the need arise. Similarly, locker rooms with showers and bathrooms also meet current needs while providing the opportunity to expand as the team grows. Flexible conferencing space serves as morning group areas for field teams with the option to open operable partitions for a large conferencing space. Generous, glass walled, offices and conferencing space continue the modern sustainable design throughout the office. A large warehouse and garage provide support for the vactor trucks that the field teams utilize for their work.

The dated facade was updated with metal panels, trim and a glass canopy.