National Museum of American History Public…

National Museum of American History Public Space Renewal Program III

Location: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC Owner: Smithsonian Institution Architect: EwingCole Contract Amount: $42.7 Million Date of Completion: 06/01/2015

With dated infrastructure, NMAH required a renovation to support the museum’s mission and improve its exhibition space. Grunley was selected to renovate 127,000 square feet of NMAH’s west wing exhibition space, while the center core and east wing of the museum remained open to the 4.1 million staff, researchers and general public who visit the building yearly. To preserve the museum experience for visitors and to ensure safe access and egress, construction was separated from public spaces; specific phases of work were defined and performed in sequence; and extensive protection was installed in construction zones. The project space, entitled the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation, involved new exhibition galleries, an education center/learning lab, a new music hall, and the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza which includes a demonstration kitchen. A new panoramic window on the first floor (Constitution Avenue entrance) provides an impressive view of the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Additionally, specialized systems were integrated to carefully adjust the surroundings in the new museum exhibit and support spaces. We completely replaced and upgraded the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, fire/life safety, communications and security systems. New air handing units, risers, terminals, ductwork and outlets were replaced and a new control system with modern digital control capabilities was installed. New electrical and lighting systems were installed throughout the venue to accommodate new exhibit requirements. The project is also expected to achieve LEED CI 2009 Silver certification. The new wing at NMAH celebrates America's innovative spirit.

One of the project challenges was maintaining uninterrupted service to visitors and tenants.

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