The Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) — Historic Renovation
Project Details
Owner: General Services Administration
Contract Amount: $2,182,688
Date of Award: September 1968
The original Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) was completed in 1855. The building is constructed of red sandstone in the Norman style (a 12th-century combination of late Romanesque and early Gothic motifs) and over the years several reconstructions have taken place. Grunley was responsible for the remodeling from 1968 to 1969 that restored the building to its original Victorian style.
The scope of work included:
- Removal of the mezzanine from 3rd floor and rebuilding a new mezzanine;
- Replacement of historic windows on the 3rd and 4th floors;
- Replacement and restoration of historic handrails in stairs;
- Replication of historic grilles and other such items in the west end library;
- Fire and life safety upgrades;
- Installation of a new underground chiller room;
- Building of the south tower fire stair;
- Replacement of wood roof structure with new system and slate roofing (This was built on the ground and lifted into place.); and
- Replacement of flat roof on northwest tower with new structure to replicate the original that was lost in a disastrous 1865 fire.