The Team Behind the Barbara Johns Building
March 6, 2026
The Barbara Johns Building (BJB) is one of the Department of General Services’ most distinctive buildings – a place where historic grandeur meets modern sustainability. Originally built in 1904 as Hotel Richmond, the building has undergone major transformations, including a 2016 renovation that restored its marble floors and stained-glass skylights. Renamed in 2017 to honor civil rights pioneer Barbara Johns, it now holds a prestigious LEED Gold certification.
What truly sets it apart is the team that cares for it every day. The BJB team is a blend of deep expertise, generational knowledge, and genuine stewardship for a building that is both a historic landmark and modern workspace.
A Team Defined by Experience and Diversity
The team’s strength begins with its people. It includes young professionals, seasoned tradespeople, and Margaret Berlin – whose 30+ years of experience make her the team’s most senior expert. The building’s unique systems naturally encourage cross-training, requiring HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians to work together and develop a broad understanding of interconnected systems.
The team maintains the systems that support the building’s LEED Gold certification designation, including energy-efficient controls, LED lighting, a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system, and high-efficiency domestic water fixtures. They also care for one of the most unusual mechanical systems: a hydronic cooling system that reclaims rainwater and HVAC condensation. This reclaimed water is stored in a humongous basement cistern and pumped to the roof to support the cooling towers.
A Day in the Life
Each day begins with walkthroughs of mechanical rooms, where the team relies on sight, sound, and smell to detect early signs of potential issues. They monitor temperatures, pressures, and alerts through the building automation system. Their preventative maintenance approach enhances system capacity and preserves the building’s long-term integrity.
The team knows they are caring for more than equipment – they are preserving a landmark and supporting a modern sustainable workplace. Their dedication ensures the building continues to serve the Commonwealth with excellence for generations to come.