Case Study: General Services Administration enhances blast protection and window performance with Thornton Tomasetti

General Services Administration upgrades 550+ windows with Thornton Tomasetti

The General Services Administration required a feasibility study and design for upgrading the windows and skylight of the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a National Historic Landmark, to meet modern blast protection and operability standards while adhering to strict historic preservation constraints. They engaged Thornton Tomasetti for structural design and blast engineering services.

Thornton Tomasetti evaluated alternative upgrade concepts, including retrofits and full replacements, balancing blast protection with historic preservation. Their solution featured a novel approach using energy-absorbing anchors for the window replacement. The vendor successfully provided the design needed to protect this significant Beaux-Arts building.

General Services Administration