Press Releases

Walls Go Up on the Addition to the Finance Building

Throughout the month of April more than 220 precast concrete pieces are being assembled to form the walls of the addition to the Finance building located in Virginias Capitol Square. The new 51,000 square foot addition will face Governor Street and is part of the renovation of the Finance building by the Virginia Department of General Services.

Made in wooden molds by The Shockey Precast Group, Inc. in Fredericksburg Virginia, over 33,000 square feet of product comprises the more than 220 pieces of precast concrete. Ranging from about 1,800 pounds to more than 30,000 pounds, with the maximum weight being equivalent to 10 full-size sedans, it will take approximately 45 days to cover the steel frame averaging 5 pieces erected a day.

Built in 1895 and described as a symbol of Virginia emerging from the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, the Finance building is the third most historic structure in Capitol Square. "We really wanted the 'new' to balance with the 'old' and I think we are accomplishing that by including the Finance building's architectural uniqueness into the design of the precast," said James T. Roberts, Director of the Department of General Services. "The addition needs to be distinct, but not dramatic that it overpowers the existing [Finance] building."

To ensure the addition to the building complements the Finance building's architecture the ornate and detailed design along with the color scheme were incorporated in the precast. Precast spandrels, column covers, wall panels, and window units were made in both granite and buff colors. "This really is a special project for us, we're getting a chance to be part of history and play a role in the look of Capitol Square," said Greg Elliott, Plant Manager with The Shockey Group, Inc. "Precast with this amount of fine detail is challenging to make and not the norm. The level of detail in this precast is rare, except for in larger cities, such as New York."

This $26 million renovation of the Finance building began in the summer of 2004 and is scheduled for completion in September 2005. "Using a 350 ton capacity crane with a reach of over 160 feet, Shockey's erector W.O Grubb will attach the precast to the structural steel frame of the addition," said Michael Locher, Project Manager for DPR Construction Inc. "It involves a very detailed planning process to ensure that safety, quality and production are equally addressed and evident in the final product."

The Finance building is the first state-owned building being renovated and restored through the Public Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA). The renovation and restoration includes re-pointing of brick, repairing cornices, and preserving original elements of the building such as the main lobby grand staircase, handmade mosaic tiles, and wood windows. The project also includes the building of a 51,000 square foot addition. Once renovation is complete it will house the office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Compensation Board, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For the Finance building and addition the Trammell Crow Company is the Developer; DPR Construction, Inc. is the General Contractor; Ballou Justice Upton Architects is the Project Architect; Baskervill and Son is the interior and space planning architect; and The Shockey Precast Group, Inc manufactured the precast concrete. Trammell Crow Company is one of the largest diversified commercial real estate service companies in the United States with offices across the nation and in Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin/South America. DPR Construction, Inc. is one of the nations leading commercial contractors/construction managers. With offices across the United States, DPR specializes in technically challenging and sustainable projects and has been recognized for its innovative approaches to complex projects. Ballou Justice Upton Architects, a Virginia architectural firm, has nearly 100 years of experience in multi-disciplined efforts in expansions, additions and renovations. An established more than 100 year old Richmond based full service architectural, engineering, and interior design firm, Baskervill and Son, is providing all space planning, interior design, and tenant construction drawings. The Shockey Precast Group, headquartered in Winchester, Virginia has been the leading precast manufacturer throughout the Mid-Atlantic since 1954. Architectural components for the Finance Building are being produced in Shockey's Fredericksburg manufacturing facility.

For more information about the precast construction and the renovation of the Finance building or about the other improvements in Capitol Square log on to http://www.dgs.virginia.gov and click on Capitol Square Improvements.