NMAH – West Wing Renovation

National Museum of American History Public Space Renewal – Washington, DC

The third phase of the Smithsonian’s transformation of the National Museum of American History renewed the building’s west exhibition wing by modernizing the infrastructure, and adding an education center, interior public plazas, and performances spaces.

Structural elements of the renovation included providing infill of existing floors, support for electrical and HVAC upgrades, and framed floor openings. In addition, connection design and detailing were provided for security upgrades of blast replacement windows which overlook the National Mall and its landmarks.

The ability to recognize framing techniques and understand how historic buildings were originally designed and constructed prompted the discovery of existing structural elements that required reinforcement.  The development of this reinforcement provided an added measure of safety for the structure.

• Construction cost: $37 million
• Size: 127,000 SF
• Goal LEED 3.0 Silver for Interior Design and Construction