General Services Administration

The U.S. Custom House in New Orleans, Louisiana, also known as the Old Post Office and Custom House, is a National Historic Landmark. This historic building, designed to house multiple federal offices and store goods, was begun in 1848 and was not completed until 1881, due to redesigns and the interruptions due to the Civil War. In 2008, part of the structure became home to the Audubon Insectarium, the largest free-standing American Museum dedicated to insects.

Under the auspices of the General Services Administration, Rice & Gardner professionals are serving as the commissioning authority for this renovation project and are providing assistance in earning the LEED 2.0 Certification for Commercial Interiors. The commissioning services include Fundamental and Enhanced Commissioning for the tenant systems such as HVAC, telecommunications, emergency power, and security.

The project also includes design and implementation of a Building Commissioning Plan and Process, as well as oversight of the LEED Commissioning activities performed by the design professionals and contractors during the design and construction phase.