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January/February 2005 IBEW Journal
(Continued...)
High-Tech Features
The new building not only features the contemporary
design and clean lines common in modern architecture,
it is also equipped with the latest electrical and
communications systems. State-of-the-art voice-data-video
lines represent a significant upgrade to the internationals
computer networking infrastructure, reducing the need
for some travel by allowing for videoconferencing among
International Officers across the continentresulting
in further cost savings and increased efficiency.
Patrick Kevan, first year apprentice, Local 26.
Energy management at 900 Seventh Street is also light
years ahead of the systems used at the old I.O. Sensors
automatically divert heating, cooling or lighting resources
from unoccupied rooms and "smart" technology
allows engineers to control the system from off-site,
saving on energy costs. Security has also improved
in the move. IBEW employees gain access to the building
via electronic "key fobs," which store security
data. Employees need the fobs to enter and exit the
building, as well as inside to enter work areas and
elevators.
A new IBEW exhibit area and archives will tell visitors
of the proud history and traditions of the IBEW and
show how the Brotherhood became the force that it is
today. Located on the meeting levelone floor below
ground levelthe archives will be more interactive
and dynamic.
Union Pride On the Job
 Pictured
is Freestate Electrical Services Company employee
and Local 26 member Antonio Moreno.
In December 2004, scores of workers pulled long hours
to complete the IBEW floors by the January 21 move-in
date. Workers were laying tile and carpeting, painting
walls and hanging doors. Around 30 IBEW members were
scattered across the site, installing lighting fixtures
on ceilings and counters and completing the electrical
service. They also ran cabling and installed computer
equipment to ensure that the I.O. would be up and running
on its first business day in the new building, January
24.
Members of Washingtons Local 26 did much of the electrical
construction, but the project also provided work for
travelers. Richmond Local 666 member Chris Caricofe
and Sidney Stanley, Local 24, Baltimore, said they
enjoyed the camaraderie with other trades workers.
Stanley said planning and organization are better on
all-union projects.
 William
Drabic, Local 70 member installing primary cable.
Project Superintendent Warren Hall of Buch Construction
said the project has proceeded smoothly, considering
the tight schedule and number of subcontractors on
the job. The fact that the subcontractors knew they
would be working with fellow tradesmen made for a friendly
competition, Hall said. "When you get a union
job like this, all of the other union trades always
want to send their best," he said. "Everybody
sends their top people, and weve got some pretty good
outfits we deal with."
Hall said after all of the disparate pieces have been
laid in place, things start coming together suddenly
toward the end of a project. "Its like a tornado:
it slowly gathers on all sides and then it starts to
flow together."
 Local
26 member John Whitmire installs
overhead lighting on 11th floor.
A few tenants have taken occupancy of their new space
in the building but, employees and visitors should
expect months of continuing construction. Crews will
do their best to limit workday disturbances, said Larry
Neidig, Senior Executive Assistant to the International
Officers.
A building dedication is planned for the spring, Neidig
said.
"We see the new building as a symbol of the 21st
century IBEW. Our Brotherhood is dynamic, forward-looking
and technologically advanced. Our new International
Office embodies all those qualities and should inspire
pride in all of our members, not just as a place where
union business is conducted, but also as a symbol of
the commitment to excellence that is reflected throughout
all the branches of this great Brotherhood of ours."
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