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Modernizing historic structures for the 21st Century: How we supported the Smithsonian Institution’s plan to revitalize core buildings

At a Glance

  • 259K

    Square Feet

Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Offices
Client
  • Smithsonian Institution
Partners
  • Page-Loring LLC

Smithsonian Institution Revitalize Historic Core Project

The Smithsonian Institution Building (the Castle) and the Arts and Industries Building have welcomed multitudes of visitors to Washington, D.C., for more than 150 years. These buildings have embraced artifacts, curiosities, science laboratories, lecture halls, libraries, art galleries, and so much more. Over their lifetimes, both buildings have experienced numerous changes—accommodating expanding collections, evolving to meet public needs, and surviving fires and earthquakes.

Together with Loring Consulting Engineers, we were honored to work with the Smithsonian Institution to provide design and engineering support to modernize these historic structures for the 21st century. The Revitalize Historic Core (RHC) project includes the Castle, the AIB, a new underground central utility plant, and sustainable landscape.

Once complete, the revitalization will honor and protect architectural treasures while providing a visitor experience that promotes the Smithsonian's vision to engage, inspire, and impact the nation and the world.

The museum system's oldest building, the Castle, is the public doorway to the Smithsonian Institution’s 21 museums and home to administrative offices and a visitor information center. Modernization will preserve its picturesque exterior silhouette and restore principal interior spaces to their early 20th-century splendor. System upgrades and window replacements will reduce energy use by 30%.

Opened in 1881, the Arts and Industries Building is the nation's best-preserved example of 19th-century World's Fair or exposition architecture. Since 2015, the Smithsonian has used the building for special events. After the team completes the full interior building rehabilitation, it will reopen to the public.

At a Glance

  • 259K

    Square Feet

Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Offices
Client
  • Smithsonian Institution
Partners
  • Page-Loring LLC

Services


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