Ryan Companies Breaks Ground on FBI Headquarters

Earlier this year, we reported on the new FBI headquarters which is scheduled to be built in North Phoenix. Now, progress is underway on the new facility. The general contractor for the project, Ryan Companies, celebrated with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 7th, 2010. Heavy earth moving equipment is on site as contractors prepare a level grade so the foundation can be poured.

The total contract for the new Phoenix FBI office is $154.5 million dollars, with $62 million dollars of that total going towards the building's construction. The rest is to cover the 20-year operating contract the FBI has with the building's operator. The building is scheduled to be completed in March of 2012.

Putting up an office building this large is certainly no challenge to Ryan Companies, which has an extensive portfolio of completed projects in Arizona including several in the Deer Valley Airpark. The real challenge is making sure the building conforms to all of the necessary environmental and security standards.

First, the building is targeting a LEED Silver rating for energy efficiency. There are four levels of LEED certifications which are determined on a points-based system. Buildings are awarded points based on criteria such as site selection, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. In order to receive a Silver rating, a structure must earn between 50 and 59 points. The highest rating in the LEED program is Platinum, which requires a minimum of 80 points or higher.

In addition to environmental requirements, the new FBI Headquarters must also conform to Level 4 Interagency Security Committee criteria. Like all government buildings, the new FBI headquarters must remain secure against threats of all types. The details have not been released, but it is likely that the building will include physical security measures such as access-controlled gates, security guards, intrusion detection systems, surveillance and X-ray systems, and even possibly blast protection.

When completed, the North Phoenix FBI headquarters will hopefully bring new administrative and professional job opportunities to the area. We will keep you posted as more news becomes available.