Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., is a landmark federal building that serves as a hub for both governmental and private sector activities.

Completed in 1998, it stands as the largest federal building after the Pentagon, encompassing approximately 3.7 million square feet of space.

Design and Facilities

Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the building was constructed to complete the Federal Triangle, a 70-acre area of government offices along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Its design emphasizes accessibility and permeability, featuring a pronounced diagonal geometry that responds to the avenue's bend toward the Capitol.

The structure includes federal offices, privately operated trade center facilities, an atrium, retail and exhibition areas, a conference center, food court, auditorium, ballroom, dining establishments, exhibition hall, reception hall, and the U.S. Center for World Trade.

Key Tenants

The building houses several important tenants such as:

• U.S. Department of Commerce
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. General Services Administration
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (a Smithsonian Institution entity)
• President Woodrow Wilson Memorial Exhibit

Public Amenities

Public amenities include a food court on the lower level, open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is also a four-acre outdoor plaza known as Woodrow Wilson Plaza, which hosts special events and galas.

The building features a parking garage with entrances on 13½ Street and 14th Street, open 24 hours daily.

Sustainability Initiatives

In recent years, the building has undertaken significant sustainability initiatives.

In 2023, the General Services Administration awarded a $22.7 million contract to Johnson Controls Federal Systems for the electrification of the building.

This project aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It includes installing heat pump technology and other energy-efficiency upgrades.

Expected outcomes include cutting energy use per square foot by nearly 50% and greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%, saving over $6.2 million annually in utility costs.

Location

• Alexandria, VA, USA

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center continues to serve as a vital center for international trade, cultural exchange, and government operations, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation.