ABC to move national office to Capitol Hill

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is relocating its national office from Arlington to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.  The trade association said that it has signed an 11-year lease with First Potomac Realty Trust for 19,830 square feet of office space at 440 First Street, NW.

“We are excited to make the move to Capitol Hill,” ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman, said in a statement.  “Advocacy on the Hill and at federal government agencies is a major part of the value ABC delivers to our 22,000 member firms. We believe this move will enhance our political and legislative efforts here in Washington and will position ABC to best inform and influence the debates on issues impacting our members and their employees.

ABC will occupy the entire second floor and one-third of the third floor of a newly remodeled 10-story building. The Washington office of OTJ Architects is designing the office space.  Hitt Contracting in Falls Church is the general contractor. Both companies are ABC members.

First Potomac is pursuing LEED platinum certification for the building, the first in the downtown office market to use a dedicated outside air system (DOAS) with 100 percent fresh air.

In addition, 75 percent of the building’s structural elements will be reused, 90 percent of construction waste will be recycled instead of going to a landfill and the property has a central area dedicated to the collection and storage of recyclable materials.

Building amenities include a rooftop terrace with seating areas and panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol, a fitness center, a conference center/boardroom, retail and restaurant space on the ground floor and underground parking.

ABC expects to complete the move by Dec. 1.