Dimensions - Winter 2013 - 2

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Radnor Heights Substation Powers
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Building Meets Strict Guidelines for Historic Site
Dominion Virginia Power is nearing completion of a new transmission line and electrical substation at Joint Base
Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. Designed to increase reliability and redundancy, the installation ensures that
Dominion continues to meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards and improves service to the
joint Army/Marine base and surrounding neighborhoods.
“This project provides a much-needed 230kV network loop

As Fort Myer is a National Historic Landmark, the

in the Arlington area and will directly improve electric

two-story substation met strict parameters for architectural

service reliability in this critical region,” says Chris Behrens,

design, with a brick façade that matches nearby buildings,

electrical transmission project manager for Dominion

a precast cornice resembling limestone, and gray faux slate

Virginia Power. “It also provides for future growth in the

roofing elements. Façade details also include rusticated

Clarendon and Rosslyn areas of Arlington County.”

pilasters and “window” portals that provide visual texture.

Agency Coordination

Keeping the Community Informed

Located on federal and state property and along public

Community participation was instrumental to the

roadways, the transmission line and substation required

project’s success and included a website and public

numerous permits and approvals, addressing issues

meetings. Digital 3-D imagery depicted the installation

ranging from environmental compliance to historic

of the underground utilities and substation design,

preservation. The Dominion team, working with Dewberry

such as structures that screen community views of the

coordinated closely with the base’s department of public

equipment. Using a 3-D printer, a physical model gave

works and other agencies including NERC, the U.S. Army

stakeholders a hands-on look at the building layout.

Corps of Engineers, the Pentagon, the Virginia Department

The substation is located on a former waste site,

of Transportation, the U.S. Fine Arts Commission, the

with organic soil that required extensive excavation and

National Park Service, Arlington National Cemetery, the

amendment. Several caissons were set approximately

National Capital Planning Commission, Arlington County,

40 feet below the final floor elevation to create a stable

and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

foundation. The project will be complete by early 2013.

Dewberry provided comprehensive architecture and

“With the help and input of many people over the past four

engineering services for the project.

years, this complicated project is a major accomplishment
and benefits the entire area,” adds Behrens.

A new 3.7-mile transmission line and substation will
begin serving Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in
early 2013. The substation met rigorous standards
for noise control, visual screening, and architectural
compatibility on the historic base.

Dimensions

Dimensions - Winter 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - Winter 2013