The AAS Executive Office Is Moving

You may have heard about the planned “net-zero” renovation of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) building. Due to the magnitude of the renovations, we would have to relocate to another facility during the construction and our current office space would be gutted, along with the rest of the building. The anticipated construction period is 12-18 months. The AAS has leased office space from the AGU for over 30 years, and while we applaud the AGU’s commitment to sustainability, the multi-year disruption would negatively impact the AAS's operations and ability to provide excellent service to our membership, Divisions, and partners. Additionally, short-term leased space in DC is, in general, more expensive than longer-term leases.

For these reasons, we began a search for new office space in DC and Virginia. After touring 19 prospective office buildings, we received an offer too-good-to refuse. We were able secure a lease including 13 months of free rent and a tenant improvement allowance of $500,000. In February, the Executive Committee of the AAS Council approved our relocation to 1667 K Street, NW in a building not far from the National Geographic Society and Farragut Square. Kelly Clark, our Chief Financial and Operating Officer led the search for our new space and is working with the architects and construction team to create a functional space for the Society and ensure a smooth transition.

While we will be sad to leave our current location, we are very excited about our new office and the benefits it will bring to the AAS membership. The larger meeting space will enable the Society to host Division, Council, and leadership meetings in our offices, eliminating the expense of renting space elsewhere. The move will also give us an improved internet connection and a chance to upgrade the technology in our conference room, so those who cannot attend meetings in person can easily participate remotely and do so at no cost to AAS members. Located at Farragut Square, there are numerous hotels in the area and two metro stops within a block of the office, making the new office very convenient for meeting attendees.

The building itself is certified LEED silver and features a bike room and green roof. We will be reusing what we are able to repurpose, including cabinets, the marble reception desk, millwork, ceiling tiles and a ceiling-to-floor glass entrance to the suite. Items from both the old and new offices that cannot be used will be carefully removed and sold, donated, or recycled. Our renovation of the space includes lighting fixtures that will automatically adjust to sunlight and motion within the workspaces to further lower the Executive Office’s environmental footprint.

The AAS will be renting some of our new office space to the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). The Society has a long-term partnership with AWIS that will continue to grow and expand the Society’s ability to serve and advocate for women in science.

The office renovation is on schedule and we plan to move on 24 June. Our new address will be 1667 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006. There may be a day or two of slightly delayed responses during the move, but we are doing everything we can to minimize downtime and expect to be fully operational very quickly.