The discovery of structurally unsound exterior walls, lead paint and asbestos have led the Bureau of Reclamation to determine its office building 100 on Date Street needs to be replaced, not rehabilitated as originally planned. Reclamation began rehabilitating the building in early 2007. After months of study and evaluations, the decision was made to proceed with demolition of the existing walls and begin the process toward constructing a new building, in the same "footprint" as the existing building and compatible with the Boulder City Historic District.

This decision is based on recommendations from Reclamation's construction contractor, the firm's experts, and Reclamation's Engineering Services Office. Three alternatives received from a historic preservation firm were analyzed for structural and budgetary feasibility.

The building, located in the Boulder City Historic District, was scheduled for roof replacement, seismic retrofit, and repair of the existing building walls, while maintaining the historic characteristics of the building's exterior. Additionally, it included safety and energy conservation upgrades to the facility that would provide a better working environment for Reclamation employees. Construction stopped after the discovery of the wall problems and the hazardous materials so Reclamation could research and study the situation.

The study included an assessment of the extent and cost of repairs necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the building's walls and abate the hazardous materials on the building's exterior and interior surfaces.

Demolition of the existing building will now proceed. Reclamation will abate the hazardous materials found at the site, work on completing the building design and construction documentation so the new facility's exterior will be compatible with and complementary of the Boulder City Historic District.

The new building will be constructed to include sustainable "green" or environmentally friendly features, along with standard regulations regarding life safety, accessibility, and other applicable laws, codes. Renovation of the sanitary sewer line toward Elm Street and the water supply lines will also be completed to comply with appropriate local codes and life safety regulations.

Reclamation will continue to consult with the State Historical Preservation Office, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the general public on this action.

Proposed options for the exterior design of Date Street Building 100 can be reviewed at Reclamation's Administration Building, Park Street and Nevada Highway, from February 28 through March 14. Comments on the designs may be submitted in writing to Reclamation or by calling Laureen Perry at 702-293-8392.

Completion of the new facility is projected for spring 2009, at an estimated cost of $5.812 million, which includes $2.13 million for the work that has been completed to date and $3.30 million for additional contract construction costs.