DAR – Constitution Hall & Memorial Continental Hall
- Safety and security was a high priority to stabilize all elements on the façade that had the potential of endangering pedestrians
- Scheduled work to accommodate after hours events at the complex
- Active environment with many events to accommodate
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is located adjacent to the White House and Old Executive Office Building in the heart of Washington, D.C. The complex includes Memorial Continental Hall, Constitution Hall and the Administration Building. Memorial Continental Hall and Constitution Hall are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently, a team formed to document existing conditions, prioritize deficiencies within the structures, develop findings and make recommendations for repairs. On the exterior of the buildings, material deterioration, delamination, fractured and loose elements, material staining, improper patching, as well as ponding water and drainage issues were all found to be issues of concern.
The first priority on the exterior was to remove and stabilize all elements on the façade that were loose and had the potential of falling to the ground and endangering pedestrians below. The second priority on the exterior was to stabilize the exterior envelope of the complex and determine the phasing of the work. Target areas on Memorial Continental Hall and Constitution Hall were the roof, façade, terraces, driveways, and entrances. On the Administration Building, the roof, façade, driveway, and entrances were also in need of repair. After all the areas were prioritized, the scope of the work for the second phase was developed to include marble consolidation, re-pointing, stabilization of loose elements, general cleaning and stain removal, as well as stone, flashing and gutter repairs.
The NSDAR complex is an active environment with many events to accommodate. It includes a library, concert hall, museum and office – all located next to the National Mall. Visitors from around the country utilize and visit the structure. In order to meet the goals of the NSDAR, STRUCTURAL, as required, scheduled work to accommodate after hours events at the complex, which included concerts at Constitution Hall, weddings (with scaffolding wrapped in white tarps for aesthetic reasons) and a 4th of July celebration. Safety and security was also a high priority not only to protect the public, but also because of proximity to the White House.
