Cost of Fenty's 'bullpens' nears $1M

The District will pay another $657,000 to create "open-style" office space in the Reeves Center at 14th and U streets, putting the total cost of knocking down government center walls at nearly $1 million since Mayor Adrian Fenty took office in January 2007.

Fenty fell for the so-called "bullpen" in 2006 after visiting New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's offices in Manhattan. The first D.C. version, in Fenty's office on the third floor of the John A. Wilson Building, was unveiled immediately after the mayor's inauguration. The concept later spread to the fifth floor, home to City Administrator Dan Tangherlini.

There are no walls in the bullpen and no closed cubicles. Everyone can see and hear everyone else. Lower level staff sit next to top government executives, and the biggest desk in the room belongs to the mayor himself.

It is motivating, Fenty has said, for employees to "have me right there."

Carrie Brooks, Fenty's communications director, said the bullpen facilitates a free flow of communication. Like most top mayoral aides, she has a separate office to use for meetings.

"You become accustomed to it and then it would seem weird to have a door," said Brooks, who will take over as Fenty's chief of staff next month.

The Office of Property Management is planning to move from One Judiciary Square to the 11th floor of the Reeves building, said Bill Rice, OPM spokesman. The associated renovation of Reeves into a bullpen will save money directly, he said, as there will be less of a need for ductwork, doors, walls and light fixtures. Indirectly, Rice said, the bullpen is a "much more productive working environment."

While Fenty's staff sings the bullpen's praises, some critics have questioned whether the boss' constant presence might stifle conversation and productivity.

Fenty's bullpen cost the city $134,000. Similar work on the Wilson Building's fifth floor cost another $167,900.

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com