U.S. Capitol Visitor Center — house and senate shell space fit-out
Washington, DC
The focal point of one of the Hearing Rooms is a 15 ft. diameter light fixture with 36 individually supported pieces of curved laminated glass. It was installed in January 2008.
By Bill Six, Senior Project Manager
Current Status
The construction of the Capitol Visitor Center is substantially complete. Grunley Construction continues to work with its subcontractors and the construction manager to complete any outstanding work and punch list items in preparation of building acceptance and occupancy by the Government. Recent activities are as follows:
- All fire suppression systems have been brought on-line for final testing and verification with the Architect of the Capitol's Fire Marshal and support staff
- Finishes (including carpeting, cherry millwork, Tennessee marble, and bronze light fixtures) have been completed throughout all the meeting rooms
- The millwork contractor has begun covering the sliding operable partitions with a wood cladding to match the surrounding woodwork
- Acoustical fabric wall panels, some with fabric custom made for this project, have been mounted throughout the meeting spaces
- The construction of the House Hearing Room has made significant strides with the installation of the floor-to-ceiling wood wall panels, bronze inset trim, marble wainscot, bronze grilles, and concave fabric ceiling panels all within the last 6 weeks
- Our subcontractors have been honored for their hard work and dedication to the project by receiving three (3) craftsmanship awards from the Washington Building Congress
What’s Next?
Upcoming construction work includes the installation of dais stone & millwork, bronze handrails, carpeting, and leather acoustical panels all within the Hearing Room. Installation of the bronze rails and terrazzo treads will continue in the atriums. The completion of the punch list work is anticipated for March 2008. The Architect of the Capitol, its commissioning agent, and the Fire Marshal are all expected to continue testing & commissioning through the summer of 2008. The grand opening is anticipated to occur in October/November 2008.
Date Posted: February 5, 2008