The Old Post Office, now known as the Nancy Hanks Center, is one of the few remaining examples of Romanesque Revival Architecture in the nation’s capital. Unused for a number of years, the nine-story structure, built in 1899, had fallen into disrepair.

The General Services Administration (GSA) initiated a national design competition for renovation of the building, which MMM won. The resulting revitalization, one of the most extensive for GSA, was the first conversion of a major federal building for use by both private and federal tenants.

The new design preserved the structure as a historic federal building and cultural center, while becoming more efficient in terms of energy use. The design called for opening the atrium area, fully restoring the Postmaster General’s offices (which are now occupied by the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities), creating more flexible open office plans from the mezzanine through the ninth floor and providing 55,000 SF of commercial space. Maintaining architectural integrity was particularly important, as major spaces had to be redesigned, the entire mechanical system had to be replaced, and new elevators, fire and safety controls, and access for the handicapped were incorporated into the plan. The renovated facility measured 930,000 SF and 13 stories.

> Time Magazine Best Renovation Design
> Owens-Corning Energy Conservation Award
> Merit Award for Achievement of Excellence in Historic Preservation & Architectural Design