NoMa Welcomes ATF Employees
In September, Federal government employees completed their move into the new U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives headquarters at New York and Florida Avenues, NE. Construction of the ATF building, designed by internationally known architect Moshe Safdie, kicked off development of the NoMa neighborhood when it broke ground several years ago, along with the New York Avenue Metro station next door. The ATF building, which is expected to achieve a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Buildings Council, has dramatic architectural features such as a 95-foot-high atrium, green roofs, a sunken garden with a reflecting pool, and a courtyard with a memorial honoring those who died in service to ATF and its predecessor agencies. An 8,000 square foot accessory building adjacent to the Metro station will house shops and restaurants that will be open to the public next spring. Announcement of the retail tenants is expected in January.