The National Building Museum — Renovations & Roof Replacement
Washington, DC
Project Details
Owner: National Building Museum
Total Contract Amount: $9.9 million
Architect: Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, Washington, DC
In the 1970's and 1980's Grunley Construction performed four projects within the structure now known as the National Building Museum. (It was previously called the Pension Building.) The National Building Museum was created by an act of Congress in 1980 and opened its doors in 1985. Since then the NBM has been the site of many of "official" Washington's most prestigious galas and outstanding architecture, engineering, and construction exhibitions. Grunley's work included:
- Removal and replacement of the entire roof decking system and roof replacement
- Complete exterior window replacement
- New elevator systems
- Clean and tuck-point of the exterior
- Repair the exterior frieze and terra cotta modillions
- Restoration of the Great Hall
Work in the Great Hall included the faux painting of the Corinthian columns, which are among the tallest in the world measuring 75' high, 8' in diameter and 25' in circumference. The scope required the installation of 244 busts that fill the niches above the center court. This portion of the project required complete scaffolding throughout the Hall. Repairs included new lighting systems throughout the Hall as well as ornamental plaster, stone, and painting. The building was designed in the 1880s by Montgomery C. Meigs to house the Pension Bureau.