Moss & Associates Begins Construction Of New Energy-Efficient Government Building
West Palm Beach, Florida, February 1, 2008
Moss & Associates has begun construction of a new energy-efficient U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) facility in Royal Palm Beach.
Moss is general contractor for a $60 million regional construction program, which includes the new USCIS facility in Royal Palm Beach as well as the agency’s field offices in Hialeah, Kendall, Miami and Oakland Park. The Moss team is working closely on the projects with Master Builders of South Florida, the construction manager and owner’s agent for South Florida Federal Partners LLC.
All five new South Florida facilities are being constructed to meet Silver Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. Like the region’s other new USCIS offices, the Royal Palm Beach facility at 9300 Belvedere Road is designed to promote energy and water conservation, be environmentally friendly, and provide for a healthy indoor work atmosphere.
“We are seeing rapidly rising demand for environmentally sustainable ‘green facilities’ from both the public and private sector,’ said Bob Moss, president/CEO of Moss & Associates. “Our company has committed substantial resources to support those clients’ needs, including LEED certification training for dozens of our operating managers and professionals in the field.”
Moss began the USCIS construction program last August and is scheduled to finish the other four USCIS facilities in summer 2008.
The Royal Palm Beach office will provide one-stop service, combining the agency’s Information and Adjudications Offices with the Application Support Center. The 40,000-square-foot building will include a ceremony room for naturalization, a wireless Internet café, and ample parking for customers and employees. It is anticipated to open in November 2008.
Designed by JMWA Architects, each of the region’s new USCIS buildings has energy-saving features including extensive perimeter windows with overhanging sunscreen devices and screening panels to prevent excessive solar gain. The five buildings will be constructed of pre-cast concrete panels and glass, using tilt-panel techniques. All have a single-story design, and three of the buildings offer high-volume lobby areas.
Planned to provide a secure environment for employees and visitors while maintaining an inviting image, the project integrates security features into each facility’s site design. For example, security setbacks will be enhanced with a combination of seating walls, concrete planters and other landscape elements that ensure security, yet create an open and welcoming public environment.
Moss & Associates provides construction management and design/build services throughout the United States, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Known for delivering complex, landmark projects for the private and public sectors, the firm had 2007 revenues of $607 million. Moss & Associates is based in Fort Lauderdale with regional offices in Miami and Ocala. For more information, visit www.mosscm.com