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- Replacement of outdated JACE controllers and legacy devices with state-of-the-art systems.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.
- Transitioning from legacy MSTP networks to BACnet IP controllers for critical systems, including:
- 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.