Case Study: 101 Federal Street

The 101 Federal Street Building contains 800,000 square feet of office space, housing a variety of tenants, including companies like Wipro, RCG Global Services, Altman Solon, Ultimate Staffing Services, and iBoss.

Kohn Pedersen Fox reached out to Existing Conditions after approval was given to demolish a neighboring city-owned parking garage. A national developer planned to build a mixed-use tower similar in size to 101 Federal Street in the newly vacant space. From the initial design proposal, the new building's facade would be just 10 feet from the existing building.

Existing Conditions was hired by Kohn Pedersen Fox to conduct a 3D laser scan of the building at the request of their insurance company. A 3D laser scan was requested to protect the building, because of the new construction's close proximity. It provided accurate, time-stamped data that could be used to assess any damage and help safeguard the property.

If damage occurred during construction, 3D laser scan data would provide a precise reference point, helping to confirm the damage and protect the owners from liability. This proactive 3D laser scanning approach helped to protect the building and ensure that any issues can be quickly identified and addressed.

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Scope of Work

Existing Conditions provided comprehensive 3D laser scanning services for 101 Federal Street to accurately document the building before construction began on the adjacent property.

Our team utilized the Leica RTC360 and Leica P50 terrestrial laser scanners to capture high-resolution, colorized point cloud data, ensuring precise as-built documentation.

The Leica P50 long-range scanner was used to document the building’s façade, exterior elevations, roof, and nearby rooftops, capturing detailed existing site conditions.

The parking garage beneath 101 Federal Street was also 3D laser scanned, including its structural elements and access points, providing critical data to monitor any potential impact from the neighboring construction, excavation, and foundation work.

The point cloud data was linked to survey control points, providing a complete and accurate dataset of 101 Federal Street before construction on the neighboring building began. A 3D Revit model was developed to assist the building’s owners in evaluating potential soundproofing solutions.

Once construction on the neighboring building was complete, Existing Conditions was asked to complete a second 3D laser scan to compare pre and post construction data to assess for any architectural or structural damage.

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Challenge

It was essential to monitor the impact of nearby construction on 101 Federal Street. The client needed existing conditions documentation before work on the adjacent property began, to obtain a baseline for comparison.

Capturing a permanent record of the 381-foot tall building was a challenge. Documentation required the use of long-range 3D laser scan technology, to record the full height and intricate details of the structure. Traditional hand-measuring methods would not have been an admissible legal record.

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Solution

Using high-precision LiDAR laser scanners, Existing Conditions recorded every detail of 101 Federal Street, creating a digital twin for Kohn Pedersen Fox’s insurer.

The point cloud data delivered a precise pre-construction record, should any issues arise. This documentation can be used for insurance claims in the event of damage.

Kohn Pedersen Fox received training to effectively utilize, interpret, and share the 3D laser scan data, enabling them to navigate the point cloud, extract precise dimensions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders.

3D laser scanning provided accurate as-built documentation of 101 Federal Street, giving the property owner and insurance company a reliable record for assessing damage and filing claims, if needed. The Existing Conditions team was available to provide support, answer questions, and offer additional guidance, ensuring Kohn Pedersen Fox can fully utilize the as-built data for effective risk management.

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The History of 101 Federal Street

101 Federal Street, a renowned building in the financial district of Boston, Massachusetts, was completed in 1988 by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. This 31-story high-rise features a smooth Indiana limestone facade with vertical lines of glass and steel. Its L-shaped structure includes subtle setbacks and ornamental corner towers, offering panoramic views of Boston Harbor and Back Bay. The design thoughtfully complements the Art Deco aesthetics, while introducing modern architectural elements.  

The 75–101 Federal Street complex, acquired by Carr Properties and managed by Rockhill Management, consists of two interconnected office buildings totaling 853,401 square feet of office space.

About the Client: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is an architectural firm renowned for its innovative and modern designs. With a diverse portfolio, the firm specializes in urban planning, residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The firm has a reputation for innovative, sustainable, and modern architecture. Some of their notable works include 101 Federal Street in Boston and the Shanghai Tower.

Existing Conditions 3D Laser Scanning Services

Over the past 27 years, Existing Conditions has measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings across the United States, establishing ourselves as an industry leader in 3D laser scanning.

Architects trust us to deliver digital representations of the as-built environment with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Our dedicated Project Managers provide fast and accurate 3D laser scanning services and drone imagery services, and expert CAD and BIM technicians create custom, detailed deliverables, including point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and 3D virtual tours.

Our greatest reward remains delivering superior-quality scan-to-BIM work and knowing we played a vital role in our clients’ historical architecture and preservation projects.

Contact us today for a free project estimate.

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