GARAGE INFILL PROJECT AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY
The East side vestibule is shown above.
By: Donna Milsten, Project Manager and Marshall Pierce, Project Engineer
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH) is located on 14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Grunley is currently working to convert an existing parking garage located on the south side of the building into office space and a child care center. Vestibules constructed of steel framing, curtain walls, and skylights have been added to the east and west ends of the space.
The finished space will include four connecting corridors with terrazzo floors, large display cases and glass walls. The new space includes an exercise room, multipurpose room, daycare classrooms (complete with cubbies), conference room, training room, records room, workstation room, and a very large AV area. Six new air handling units have been installed, as well as an extensive electrical and IT upgrade.
Option 1 of the contract was awarded and includes site work at the east entrance which includes granite curb and pavers as well as modifications to the limestone retaining walls. A major challenge on the project was the continuous leaking of the south wall which is below grade. Grunley, the Smithsonian, and the design team worked together to test and develop the final solution. This change included many trades and several steps to construct. The wall was coated with crystalline waterproofing products, cracks were injected, a concrete curb was added with waterproofing membrane and then a CMU wall was constructed on top of the curb. Ventilation and drains to mechanical rooms were incorporated behind the CMU wall. While the south wall design and construction was ongoing, construction of the interior spaces continued so as not to impact the project schedule.
Current Status
With approximately four months left until project completion, current work includes finish activities, millwork, ceiling close-ins, door and hardware installations, testing and commissioning. The vestibule steel is erected and painted. Curtain wall installation is underway, as is the sitework at the east and west entrances.
What’s Next
Upcoming activities include completion of vestibule interiors, ornamental metal installations, and the ongoing sitework at the east and west entrances.
Date Posted: November 15, 2011