The National Historic Landmark at 50 United Nations Plaza in San Francisco is a Beaux Arts building and a contributing resource to the larger San Francisco Civic Center Historic District. The original architect, Arthur Brown, Jr. also designed the San Francisco City Hall, Opera House and Coit Tower. The overall vision for this project was to create energy-efficient office space and a modern, comfortable working environment for federal workers in this historically significant building. The U.S. General Services Administration retained the services of Interactive Resources, Inc. to perform a comprehensive Program Development Study for the alterations and renovation of the federal building, which served as the intended scope of work for the architect-engineer design team and the basis for the necessary funding request through the American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009 from Congress.

Building systems and components were replaced to meet current GSA standards utilizing sustainable design principals and achieving LEED Platinum Standards for new construction (NC). The project included a major seismic structural upgrade, refurbishment of historic exterior windows, blast protection, and restoration of the exterior stone. A complete realignment of the interior was included along with a new HVAC system, energy efficient lighting, upgraded electrical distribution system, improved security, upgraded fire protection system and restoration of historically significant interiors. Historic preservation played a fundamental role in the development of the report as all proposed design aspects have to work with the historic nature of the building.

“I highly recommend Interactive Resources, Inc.. I am the GSA Project Manager on the 5O United Nations Renovation project in San Francisco, CA. GSA Pacific Rim Region 9 retained the services of Interactive Resources, Inc. in late 2008 to prepare the 5O United Nations Program Development Study in San Francisco for the 2009 prospectus submission. The study was completed in time given the aggressive schedule and ever changing project goals and objectives, with outstanding client relations. The study was complete and well-coordinated among the sub consultants. Through all their team’s efforts, the study presented a complete description of the deficiencies in the building and presented a solid plan, with options and recommendations to bring the building up to standards. Interactive Resources, Inc. was able to compile and weed through all the many previous building studies to meet code, sustainability goals, and budget limitations. Interactive Resources, Inc. had a clear understanding of the project challenges and complexities and adequately addressed them in the study. The study gave a strong basis for the budget request and project scope definition. In addition, the PDS outlined the path of how the project can achieve LEED Gold, and even LEED Platinum certification. The 2009 document they produced proved to be very relevant and useful throughout the design process and construction process. Here we are in 2014, renovation completed within budget and schedule and project has achieved LEED Platinum certification. Interactive Resources, Inc. did an outstanding job in preparing and presenting the PDS to GSA, who is also the tenant client on the 5O UNP project. Interactive Resources, Inc. is an extremely professional AE firm. Interactive Resources, Inc. delivers high quality products.”

—Montserrat Agleham, S. General Services Administration (GSA)

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