Grunley Awarded $21M Contract with Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution has awarded Grunley a $21 million contract to complete the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Southside Improvements project!
The NMNH Southside Improvements project combines two separate, adjacent projects - NMNH Renovate South Entrance and Baird Auditorium Air Handling Unit (AHU) Replacement. The South Entrance serves as the main entrance to the museum and adjoins the National Mall. Grunley will completely update the entrance, fulfilling tasks that include modifying the existing stairs, plazas and portico; refurbishing all stone, cast iron, and bronze fixtures; restoring the decorative historic iron gate and adding new accessibility switchback walkways.
The Baird Auditorium is the museum's main performance space. The AHU that serves the space has exceeded its life cycle capabilities and requires replacement. Work to complete this project will include installing a new unit and the associated electrical, HVAC piping, ductwork connections, BAS controls and replacement of steam/condensate equipment. The museum will remain open to the visitors and staff throughout the renovation which is expected to reach substantial completion in March 2019.
NMNH is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. An international center housing sixty million specimens, its collections are used by both resident and visiting researchers to study Earth and its inhabitants. In addition to its wide array of public exhibits, the building is 1.3 million square feet housing educational, scientific and administrative facilities serving a permanent occupancy of approximately 1,200 people.
