Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) began construction on the $21.6 million Bldg. 30 renovation project in January 2017 reaching the 20 percent mark in May.

Since 1767 the shipyard, which initially was the Gosport Navy Yard under the Royal Navy, has conducted continuous shipyard operations. Although some of the land was sold to the public in 1785 it was later purchased in 1801 by the federal government and has been in use by the U.S. Navy ever since.

Anyone familiar with early American history and visited Portsmouth, Virginia, may tangibly see it in landmark areas, street names and historic structures preserved there. Although not open to the public, this too is true of the shipyard. In the beginning, ships were built at the shipyard and structures, such as Bldg. 30, a two-story timber shed, were built to facilitate that mission. During that time (1859), the 36th Congress claimed the shipyard was "the largest and most important yard in the United States."

If walls could talk the solid brick walls of Bldg. 30 would have a lot to say. The structure was constructed in the late 1830's but was damaged by self-inflicted Union fires three days after Virginia voted for succession from the Union in 1861. It was set ablaze a second time in 1862 when the Confederates surrendered to Federal forces approximately three weeks after the first duel, between ironclad warships, known as the Battle of Hampton Roads.

The shipyards strategic location, skilled workers and facilities made the shipyard a desirable commodity during both the Revolutionary and Civil War.

Over the years Bldg. 30 underwent modifications to things like doors and windows as well as the addition of a first floor restroom and an enclosed bridge that connects it to a neighboring building. It has also seen a change in its occupants and their respective occupations from sawmill workers from 1896 to the 1920's, to supply and administrative personnel during the World War II era. Now into the 21st century it is home to the Engineering and Planning Department with the primary role of supporting work on the waterfront through ship design and repair.

Throughout time the buildings core has remained but after 180 years it began to show signs of needed repair and renovation.

According to Derek Deerfield, NNSY Facility Engineering Support Branch Manager, the decision to repair or renovate is not one the Navy takes lightly. Because the shipyard has more than 100 buildings, many of which are protected under The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, any work done must be prioritized and renovations must be approved at several levels which include local and federal.

Priorities are based on things such as the purpose of the building, its occupants and the renovations impact to the commands mission overall said Deerfield.

"First we look to see what is sound and if safety requirements are met such as Fire and Life safety," said Nick Mcginness, NNSY Facility Engineering Support B30 Project Manager.
"If it is cosmetic issues we use local sustainment funding to repair or do things like repaint, re-floor, and add new furniture, whatever is needed.

When there are structural issues, and we can't reconfigure and cosmetic fixes won't solve the problems then a renovation process would be initiated."

According to Allen Pace, the Process and Facilities Manager for the Engineering and Planning Department, prioritizing projects such as Bldg. 30 is more than simply preserving history. He believes renovations like this have a great impact on the 21st century mission of the shipyard.

"This renovation has opened up 25% more seating that modern ergonomic workstations for the work we do," said Pace.

"At the same time, it greatly enhances quality of life, providing facilities that allow us to attract and retain the best and the brightest and aligns with the mental models of our newest employees while creating a safe, clean and functional workplace for our current employees."

Across the nation attracting skilled workers is more important than ever. Within the next five years mechanics and engineers of the baby-boom generation will be retiring. Those hired by the Navy also receive specialized training for the complex work conducted at the shipyard. Ensuring this information is passed down and retaining these employees is vital to supporting the overall Navy mission said Pace.

"Having an under skilled workforce can mean a lot of things for us, it can affect a ship's availability, quality of work, mentoring and oversight and so much more," said Deerfield.

Understanding this, the design team on the Bldg. 30 project worked hard to marry the past with the future. Some character-defining interior features will include exposed masonry and steel columns and retention of the original high ceilings. The external design, based off of historic photographs and documents, will bring the building back to its circa 1900 design.

Some modern day additions will include a vestibule, mother's nursing room, nursing rooms, conference rooms, kitchenettes, ADA compliant and an elevator to name a few. Although the interior will have a more modern appeal, including new fixtures, it will preserve an open floor plan which may provide a glimpse into another time when the building was used to facilitate large wooden ship parts.

The renovation will meet Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection standards it will also include showers, new furniture and finishes, LED lighting, and a new mechanical system. Overall the building will be more energy efficient and is meant to sustain another 50 years, an important component to the ongoing readiness of what is today known as America's Shipyard.

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