Unified Communications Center, Washington, D.C.

The Unified Communications Center (UCC) in Anacostia, D.C., is a nerve center for federal and district communications, and a place of refuge for district employees in the event of a disaster or emergency. The structure was built to be self-sustaining for 72 hours, and consolidates the "command and control" functions of the newly created Office of Unified Communications.



The front of the Unified Communications Center in Anacostia, D.C. The facility houses emergency response "command and control" functions, such as police, fire, emergency medical services, the Emergency Operations Center and public services.



A 130-year-old barn on the property is being preserved to stable police horses.



The Office of Unified Communications' main call floor houses 911 emergency, 311 nonemergency and citywide call centers. Desks are adjustable so call monitors can stand and converse with each other during an emergency. The Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations Center, also the Mayor's Command Center (on left), overlooks the main call floor.



The Unified Communications Center's chiller plant air conditions the building.



The UCC's visitor media center is where public officials -- such as the mayor, public safety officials and other emergency responders -- will brief members of the news media during emergencies. The facility includes the capability to show live and recorded video. The media center is open to community events when not in use for emergency response.



The video wall contains controls for playing back media to those in the visitor media room.



The Unified Communications Center includes a 24-hour, 11,000-square-foot child-care development center that can provide care for as many as 70 children of employees. This center includes a playground. JB