Efficiency and Energy Upgrades to 1st Floor of City Hall

Public asked to be patient with appearance as safety upgrades take place

The City of Richmond is in the process of upgrading the fire alarm and egress lighting, and installing a sprinkler system at City Hall as part of a safety upgrades project. Additionally, the project includes lighting control in core public areas and office spaces for better energy management of light usage. Work has been on-going on various floors, and a major effort will now start on the First Floor of City Hall.

The lighting, fire alarm and sprinkler system upgrades will require the removal and replacement of the entire First Floor ceiling. This work will begin on the First Floor public lobby spaces on April 23, with the erection of a scaffolding system and containment barriers. The First Floor portion of the project is expected to be completed in mid-August. While scaffolding is in place, there will be signage to direct building visitors and employees and temporary lighting to supplement existing lighting, in order to maintain building access and business operations.

As is common of buildings of this age, City Hall’s First Floor lobby ceiling system contains asbestos materials. This will require special removal procedures which are standard for this type of work. The asbestos removal will be conducted by licensed contractors who are certified and trained to remove this type of material. The procedures will meet all Occupational Safety and Health Standards and mirror the same procedures that have been used on similar types of projects in older buildings in the City, such as at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The City has planned for all abatement work to take place during weekend hours to minimize any disruption to employees and the public. Further, additional measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of the indoor air quality, and France Environmental will be on site to conduct daily air quality measurement checks.

The City of Richmond regrets any inconvenience this safety upgrade project may cause those conducting business at City Hall and will be working to complete the upgrades as quickly and conveniently as possible.