London Ranger Compound
Market:
Federal
Client:
USDA – Forest Service
Location:
London, KY
Role:
DOR and Prime Contractor
Value:
$10.6M
Project Type:
A&E Design, Full Design, New Construction
As the Prime Design-Build Contractor and Designer of Record (DOR), GMHILL is designing and constructing a new London Ranger District Office to replace the existing office compound. This comprehensive project involves demolishing the current structures and site features and constructing a modern office compound. The reimagined compound includes a new Administration Building, Warehouse Building, Covered Outdoor Storage, Seedling Cooler, Hazardous Materials Storage, Bulk Fuel Storage, and a Monument Sign. This project was necessary due to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) reconfiguration and road improvements on US 25 in London, KY, which rendered the renovation of the existing office compound impractical for meeting the Forest Service’s long-term mission needs.
The architectural character of the new London Ranger District draws inspiration from recent USDA FS Appalachian & Croatan Ranger District facilities. The exterior design adheres to the USDA FS Southeast Mountain Province Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG), aligning with the project program and local user preferences. Key design elements include dominant roof forms with broad overhangs, and vertical windows with low sills to maximize daylight and views, featuring flatter slopes for porches and lean-to elements to reflect regional character. The use of indigenous, natural, and locally produced materials is integral to the design, ensuring the architectural character of the new complex aligns with both the Forest Service’s and the local community’s needs.
GMHILL selected the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) v4.1 BD+C as this project’s green building certification system. LEED provides a holistic approach to sustainability, aligning with federal requirements and serving as a valuable quality assurance tool. The project aims to be net-zero energy-ready, with the LEED Zero Energy framework facilitating the pursuit of this goal through additional investments in photovoltaics.
The design of the Administrative Building prioritizes ease of access, occupant comfort, and an efficient layout. Office spaces are arranged to foster collaboration while also allowing privacy when needed. The design ensures accessibility per ABAAS guidelines, including a gender-neutral toilet and custodial space. Workstations are arranged in clusters away from windows, with counter-height storage under windows, and a collaborative landing area with flat file storage supports staff synergy. The adaptable pavilion structure is designed to accommodate future changes in needs and technology.
The administrative building’s HVAC system features high-efficiency air-cooled heat pumps, a variable-volume DOAS with demand-control ventilation, and dedicated systems for telecom, electrical, and mechanical spaces. The fire alarm system includes smoke detectors, strobes, horns, pull stations, and an addressable main fire alarm panel. The building also has a new wet pipe automatic sprinkler system and a clean agent system.
The Warehouse and Shop Building includes a vehicle bay, storage, fitness room, and shower. The HVAC system heats and ventilates the spaces with electric infrared heaters, unit heaters, and a dedicated HVAC system for specific areas. The building’s fire alarm system features smoke detectors, strobes, horns, pull stations, and an addressable remote fire alarm panel.
The new pole shed, wood-framed and architecturally aligned with the other buildings, provides covered outdoor storage for Forest Service vehicles and supplies. It includes a dedicated bay for Law Enforcement secure storage, lighting and power outlets for battery charging, and a concrete curb for moisture and pest control.
The project also includes seven prefabricated, fire-rated Hazardous Materials Storage buildings with fire protection systems, allowing for future rearrangement or relocation. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for USFS fleet vehicles are provided, with infrastructure for future expansion and personal vehicle charging stations.
All existing structures and site features will be demolished, with concrete drives recycled as crushed stone bases for new surfaces. Overhead electrical service lines will be removed, and new electrical service will be coordinated with the local utility provider (KU). The site development includes a new entrance coordinated with KYTC and a secondary emergency egress.
Through this project, GMHILL is committed to creating a state-of-the-art London Ranger District Office that meets the USDA-FS’s mission needs and supports the local community through sustainable, efficient, and adaptable design.
