MGAC on the Move: WMATA Maryland Headquarters
The building process is complex and comes with common—and not-so-common—challenges. Learn more about what we do as Project Managers in our bi-monthly video series, MGAC on the Move. Each month a different member of our team will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at one of their current projects. Now let’s get moving!
The New Carrollton Joint Development will transform the New Carrollton Metro Station into a 2.3 million SF mixed-use transportation hub and gateway to the National Capital Region and Northeast Corridor. Amid this develop, is the new Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Maryland Headquarters, a 330,000 SF, 11-story office building. In this month’s MGAC on the Move, Susan Smith, Senior Vice President with our Technology Solutions team, takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the recently completed project.
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Susan Smith, and I am an executive project manager with MGAC's technology solutions group. I'm here at the entrance to the WMATA, Maryland headquarters. Let's get moving.
MGAC provided furniture procurement and technology solutions services for WMATA's new 330,000-square-foot Maryland headquarters. Our technology solutions group was specifically engaged in the procurement and management of the low-voltage specialty vendors who implemented the audio-visual sound masking, electronic security, and distributed antenna systems. Visitors are greeted at the reception desk, where they obtain a temporary badge, using the visitor management system, before proceeding to the metal detector and x-ray machine for scanning. Digital signage displays are also located in every elevator lobby to vividly display messaging for employees and visitors.
The first floor of the facility supports a large, divisible, multipurpose conference room outfitted with recessed ceiling projectors and projection screens. Each collaborative space is designed with one to two displays with a video and audio control system to allow for team interaction locally and with other offices. Multiple telecommunications closets are located within the facility for the wired and wireless networks, access control, video surveillance, sound masking, and lighting control systems.
Category 6A copper, as well as single mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables, were distributed throughout the facility to serve the communication needs for all of these systems. One of the challenges of this project was the supply chain issues due to chip shortages. Countless hours have been spent searching and conducting multiple meetings with large manufacturers in order to obtain card readers, cameras, and network devices to include wireless access points.
Because of this joint effort, our team is on track to deliver this project on time to meet WMATA's move schedule, starting in November, 2022 and continuing through December. We hope you enjoyed our tour of WMATA's new Maryland headquarters facility, located near the New Carrollton metro station. Follow us at MGAC for our next "on the Move."
Katie Pastrick
As MGAC's Senior Communications Manager, Katie is focused on the firm's external communication efforts.
View other posts by: Katie Pastrick
