Modernization Milestone: Thomas G. Abernethy Federal Courthouse’s New Chapter
August 23, 2024 |
In a significant stride towards revitalizing federal infrastructure, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Region 4 and 7 embarked on the Thomas G. Abernethy Federal Building, Courthouse & Post Office project in Aberdeen, Mississippi. This transformative initiative gave new life to the 64,000-square-foot, 3-story, historic courthouse, originally constructed in 1973, by addressing numerous critical issues.
While still a fairly modern structure, the building was deemed uninhabitable in 2017 due to mold and moisture infiltration. The building was unable to regulate the indoor air environment, producing hot and cold spots, condensation build-up on interior walls, water leaks, and mold on interior surfaces. The Abernethy Federal Building houses vital federal entities, including the U.S. District Court, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Service, and GSA offices.
In 2021, GSA selected AFG Group, Inc. as its Construction Manager and Commissioning Manager, with AFG Vice President W. Dean Rowell, as Project Director to lead this effort and manage the various AFG subject matter experts on this ambitious $26.2M venture.
The extensive scope of work involved fire and life safety upgrades, hazardous materials abatement, new mechanical systems, replacement of the Building Automation System (BAS), window replacements, roof replacement, building envelope repair, a new generator, new electrical distribution, elevator modernizations, and finish updates. Notably, the tenant post office remained operational throughout the project, emphasizing the commitment to minimal disruption to essential services.
AFG placed Edouard Martin, CQM as the on-site Project Manager to ensure the seamless execution of this complex project by providing expert cost-estimating, scheduling, commissioning plan development, design review, inspection, and documentation support for the GSA team.
“AFG management has enabled the government to proceed forward with this US District Courts facility renovation construction process by being flexible and adaptive despite multiple construction uncertainties with this historic building,” said Carrie Haman, GSA Region 7 Contracting Officer.
The project reached substantial completion in July 2024.
The Thomas G. Abernethy Federal Building project stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of AFG, GSA Region 7, and GSA Region 4, who have left an enduring impact on the federal infrastructure in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and the small-town community. The dedication to excellence ensured the success of the project and sets a precedent for future endeavors in enhancing federal facilities nationwide.
About the Authors
About AFG Group, Inc.
AFG Group, Inc. is a woman-owned firm focused on multi-disciplined program, construction, and relocation management, with a national portfolio of work in healthcare, laboratories, courthouses, educational facilities, and government buildings. With 30 years of business acumen, AFG has earned a reputation for providing strong expertise, responsiveness, and project execution that helps owners navigate through complex design, procurement, construction, and activation processes.