Projects

Fritz G. Lanham Federal Building Project: BAS Upgrade

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Region: GSA Region 7
Project Objective: Automation and Controls Upgrade

The Fritz G. Lanham Federal Office Building, located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, has served as a critical hub for federal operations since its completion in 1966. Named after Fritz Garland Lanham, a distinguished U.S. Representative from Texas, the building honors his contributions to the state and nation. Born in Weatherford, Texas, on January 3, 1880, Lanham left a lasting legacy of public service.

The facility spans 698,000 square feet and includes 14 floors and a basement parking garage, making it one of the largest federal office buildings in Texas. It accommodates key federal agencies and officials who play a vital role in supporting the public and the nation. Beyond its essential office spaces, the building features a cafeteria, snack bar, fitness center, and health unit, providing a comprehensive environment for the thousands of employees and visitors it supports daily.

Agencies and Officials at the Facility

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• National Weather Service (NWS)
• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
• Federal officials and staff supporting critical administrative and operational functions.

Planned Building Automation System (BAS) Upgrade

The upcoming BAS upgrade will modernize and optimize the building’s infrastructure, ensuring it continues to meet federal sustainability standards and operational demands. This large-scale project, part of GSA Region 7’s initiative to enhance building efficiency, will involve comprehensive updates to the building’s control systems while preserving uninterrupted service to its tenants.

Scope of Work

• Infrastructure Modernization
  • Replacement of outdated JACE controllers and legacy devices with state-of-the-art systems.
  • Rebuilding all control panels to ensure optimized functionality and streamlined operation.
• Advanced System Integration
  • Transitioning from legacy MSTP networks to BACnet IP controllers for critical systems, including:
    • Built-up air handling units.
    • Chiller and condensing water systems.
    • Domestic water systems.
    • Boiler plant systems.
  • Integration of legacy MSTP devices and Modbus protocols into a unified Tridium Niagara platform, providing enhanced control and visibility.
• Enhanced User Accessibility
  • Creation of user-friendly graphical interfaces for real-time monitoring and management of building systems by onsite O&M team.

Phasing Plan and Execution

Saturn has already completed on-site survey and the project is set to begin in early December 2024 with a carefully designed phasing plan. Each phase will be executed to minimize disruption to federal operations while maintaining the building’s functionality. Saturn will work closely with building management and federal agencies to ensure smooth transitions during the upgrade process.

Building Significance and Project Impact

The Fritz G. Lanham Federal Office Building is not only a critical operational hub but also a symbol of federal presence in Fort Worth. This project will ensure that the building continues to support the vital missions of its tenants while embracing modern standards of efficiency and sustainability.

The BAS upgrade will:

• Improve energy efficiency, significantly reducing operational costs.
• Modernize communication systems for enhanced functionality and reliability.
• Align with federal sustainability initiatives, reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

With its rich history, strategic importance, and significant scale, the Fritz G. Lanham Federal Office Building is poised to benefit from this transformative upgrade, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of federal operations for years to come. Saturn Enterprises is proud to lead this critical effort, delivering innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of this landmark facility.

George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush U.S. Courthouse and George Mahon Federal Building Project: BAS Upgrade

Location: Midland, Texas
Region: GSA Region 7
Project Objective: Automation and Controls Upgrade

The George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush U.S. Courthouse and George Mahon Federal Building is a federal installation located in Midland, Texas. Originally built in 1974 and named the George Mahon Federal Building in 1978, the facility spans 114,719 square feet and serves as a prominent location for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. In 2013, the building was officially renamed to honor former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, recognizing their legacy and connection to Midland.

Saturn Enterprises successfully completed a Building Automation System (BAS) upgrade for this key facility as part of the GSA Region 7 modernization initiative. This project addressed the building’s outdated systems and aligned its infrastructure with federal standards for sustainability and efficiency.

Project Highlights

• System Upgrade and Conversion
  • Transitioned the building’s MSTP network of legacy controllers to BACnet IP controllers for:
    • Removal of obsolete JACE hardware and outdated controllers.
    • Built-up air handling units.
    • Chiller and condensing water plant.
    • Domestic water system.
    • Boiler plant.
• Integration and Optimization
  • Complete integration of legacy MSTP devices and Modbus devices on the Tridium Niagara platform.
  • Development and deployment of accessible, user-friendly graphics and software for centralized control.

Impact and Sustainability

The BAS upgrade ensures that the building operates more efficiently, with significantly improved communication between systems. These enhancements not only reduce operational costs but also support the federal sustainability plan by minimizing the building’s carbon footprint. Final commissioning and system checks are scheduled to confirm full functionality and compliance.

Saturn Enterprises is proud to have contributed to the modernization of this historic federal facility. As part of the GSA Region 7 initiative, we remain committed to upgrading federal and commercial facilities with innovative, energy-efficient solutions that enhance building performance and reduce environmental impact.

Homer Thornberry Federal Building Project: BAS Upgrade

Location: Austin, Texas
Region: GSA Region 7
Project Objective: Automation and Controls Upgrade

The Homer Thornberry Federal Building, located in downtown Austin, Texas, was originally built in 1965 as a postal facility. A renovation in the early 1990s transformed it into a courthouse and federal building. Spanning 178,223 square feet across three full floors and a partial fourth, the building is a key federal structure near the Texas State Capitol. It forms part of a master complex, including a large plaza and a tunnel connecting it to the J.J. Pickle Federal Building.

Saturn Enterprises successfully managed the completion of the BAS upgrade for the Homer Thornberry Federal Building. This project involved replacing obsolete devices to ensure seamless communication and functionality in line with GSA standards. Key aspects of the upgrade included:

Demolition and Infrastructure Setup

• Removal of outdated JACE hardware.
• Installation of CAT-6 IP lines throughout the building.
• Rebuilt controller panels, running panduit for optimal cable management and organization.

System Upgrade and Conversion

Transitioning from an MSTP network of legacy controllers to BACnet IP controllers for:

• Built-up air handling units.
• Chiller and condensing water plant.
• Domestic water system.
• Boiler plant.

Integration and Optimization

• Complete integration of legacy MSTP devices and Modbus devices on the Tridium Niagara platform.
• Development of accessible, fully integrated system graphics and software.

The upgraded BAS system is now fully functional and aligned with the federal sustainability plan, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Final commissioning and system checks are scheduled for the coming weeks.

At Saturn Enterprises, we take pride in the success of this project and look forward to continuing grow in the federal market, helping clients optimize building performance and sustainability.