A $2.3 million improvement project to replace single-pane window panels, install a new fresh air system and renovate restrooms is almost finished on the City Office Tower.

Public Works and Transportation Construction Manager Alf Bumgardner said the window replacements on the eight-story building, along with the new air system, will save the City $78,000 annually in energy costs.

The new exterior glass system with aluminum frames will eliminate any heat or cold air leakage from outside.

"Another part the project will be to re-coat the solid panels between the glass at each floor," Bumgardner said. "The purpose of the coating is to reduce the amount of staining that has occurred at the glass. The residues that can be seen as streaks on the glass come from the solid panel surface."

While the coating will give the solid panels a more uniform appearance it also seals the face of the solid panels so it does not streak and stain the new glass.

The third and sixth-floor restrooms are being renovated to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Bumgardner said. Workers will also add a make-up air unit on the roof to pressurize the building.

"We are currently experiencing air and water infiltration through the existing rubber gasket window system," he said. "That is why water can be seen on the window sills at the upper floors on a windy, rainy day. The new make-up air unit along with the new window system will resolve that issue."

The project is financed in part by a $3.4 million federal stimulus grant Arlington received last year and was designed by City staff. Coordination of the consulting engineers was also managed by Construction Management.

Bumgardner said electrical work began on Aug. 8 and glass replacement started on Sept. 6. The project is expected to be completed by the first of March.