U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) — Historic Windows Replacement/Wall Repairs Projects

Project Details

Owner: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
Contract Amount:
$1,230,013 (Phase 4)
$1,213,378 (Phase 5)
$1,344,617 (Phase 6)
$1,316,309 (Administration Building)
Date of Award:
August 1990 (Phase 4)
May 1991 (Phase 5)
September 1992 (Phase 6)
September 1992 (Administration Building)
Date of Completion:
August 1991 (Phase 4)
March 1992 (Phase 5)
October 1993 (Phase 6)
July 1994 (Administration Building)
Architect:
Kemnitzer, Reid & Haffler, Washington, DC (Phases 4-6)
Einhorn, Yafee & Prescott, Washington, DC (Administration Building)

Photo Photo

The main headquarters for the USDA is located adjacent to the National Mall on Independence Avenue, S.W., and is comprised of three buildings. The South building is the largest in this facility and houses over 6,000 government employees.

This building was constructed in the 1930's and is a concrete structure with brick and stone facades, slate roofing and wood double hung windows. The building is configured with two main sections connected by seven shorter wings. Six interior courtyards exist and are accessible from the rear of the building.

In the 1980's the USDA evaluated the exterior conditions and determined that the facades and windows required renovation, restoration and selective replace-ments. These renovations were to be performed in phases to reduce the impact to the occupants and to accommodate the project funding requirements. These renovations commenced in the late 1980's. A majority of the projects were procured using a best value method to insure quality and timely performance.

From early 1990 through the fall of 1993 Grunley Construction successfully completed Phases 4, 5 and 6 of the Window Restoration project. These phases included the restoration of all windows, approximately 3,130 units, located in Courtyards 1, 2 and 4.

In addition, we completed the window restorations in the Administration Building; a facility originally constructed in the late 1800s and added to in the 1920s. This included approximately 800 wood and 200 steel window units.

The restorations included the removal of the existing sash and replacement with new mahogany sash to replicate the original. Weather-stripping was added to the windows to eliminate air infiltration around the sash perimeters. The window frames were completely stripped of all lead paint, treated with preservatives and epoxies, primed, painted and caulked. All interior work was performed at night within the occupied offices to minimize occupant disturbance. The exterior work was performed during the day within the occupied courtyards. All areas were protected and cleaned on a daily basis. Restored window openings were successfully tested by an independent testing agency to verify that our installations complied with strict contract requirements.

Concurrent with the Phase 6 window restoration work our firm also performed restoration and cleaning of all courtyard facades. These facades were constructed of brick with stone and terra cotta elements and cornices. All existing stone joints were cut and repointed and damaged stone and brick elements were repaired and replaced to match the existing. Upon completion of all pointing and repairs, all surfaces were chemically cleaned and rinsed.

The project was completed on time.