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NBC Profile |
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NBC PROFILE - SUMMER 2005
Historic Preservation and the Modernization of the Main Interior Building |
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In past editions of the NBC Profile we earmarked seven categories that architects had to consider in arriving at the design solution for the modernization of the Main Interior Building. Previous articles addressed life safety, environmental safety, and sustainability. Of the remaining four categories, we have chosen to focus this article on historic architectural responses incorporated in the sixth wing and what the occupants can expect in upcoming phases.
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North Lobby at the Main Interior Building.
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The primary focus of the modernization project is the upgrading of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems. Because the Main Interior Building is designated as a National Historic Landmark, it requires special attention during the modernization process to incorporate systems without disturbing the rich historic fabric. In the Standards for Rehabilitation, a section of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation, rehabilitation is defined as "the process of returning a property to a state of utility through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values." As a participant in the pilot of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), a performance standard for upgrading existing buildings and operating them in a sustainable way on an ongoing basis, the modernization process faces additional challenges in upgrading systems to ensure sustainability while considering historic preservation.
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Fire alarm inconspicuously placed in ceiling. The stenciling was repainted during the modernization process.
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In the modernization process, the restoration zone identifies areas of architectural or historic significance that, following the Secretary's guidelines, should be restored as nearly as possible to the original form and condition. In the Main Interior Building these areas include: historic restrooms, main corridors, Assistant Secretary's suites, the Secretary of the Interior's Conference Room, museum, library, auditorium, and the North Penthouse.
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Air supply vent placed at base of column so as not to disrupt historic surroundings.
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This article will focus on the areas within the 6th wing of the Main Interior Building and address the architectural response to many of the historic spaces including but not limited to: original wood windows, Assistant Secretary's Suites, North Lobby, and paint in the building.
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Historic Restrooms
Located in the mist of the modernized 6th wing, at the E street entrance are two restrooms that appear to be somewhat outdated, but are actually representative of the 1939 era when the building was constructed. These two restrooms have been reconstructed to present a physical record of the time, place, and use. Historic components in the restrooms include: toilets, stalls and fixtures, solid walnut stall doors, glass wall tiles (vitrolite), structural glass partitions, and bronze hallway doors. Each of these components was salvaged, evaluated for historical significance, repaired as needed, and replaced in the original context. Because the original restrooms did not comply with today's accessibility standards, additional accessible restrooms were constructed and located near the historic facilities.
Windows
Have you counted the windows in each wing of the Main Interior Building? All 778 windows in the 6th wing were restored, and reinstalled. The original glass was retained unless, broken, chipped or cracked. Lead paint from the window frames and sashes was abated on site, and the sashes were sent off-site for repair and painted with low volatile organic compound (VOC's) paint. The original interior window hardware including the weights, chains, and pulleys was restored. The exterior window washing belt anchors and hardware were left in place, to enhance historic integrity.
Assistant Secretary's Suites
The Assistant Secretary Suites located at the further most ends of the 6th floors exhibit a number of historical architectural components including original cork flooring, Black Champlain marble base at foot of walls, raised wood panel wainscoting, pendant ceiling lighting fixtures, portal doors, and buffalo head doorknobs. In order to retrofit the space with the new technologies all of the exterior walls were removed and replaced, and all existing furnishings were restored using sustainable methods to preserve integrity, reduce damage, and to enhance indoor air quality. The suites also have private restrooms, also considered historic in nature, that were restored accordingly.
North Lobby
Located at the opposite end of the building from the C Street entrance, and at the intersection of the 6th wing, the North lobby also received attention during the modernization process. Although well preserved, the acoustic plaster ceiling and the stencil designs were repainted and the bronze double doors were cleaned. In an effort to upgrade the life safety issues, fire alarms were added as inconspicuously as possible. Unlike the red fire alarms throughout the majority of the building, care was exercised to locate and install white alarms and strobes in the ceiling that would blend with and not detract from the historical nature of the lobby. Air supply grills were also inconspicuously placed in the floor so as not to detract from the overall effect.
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Paint analysis conducted on wall below Themes of the National Parks mural by David McCosh, on the third floor.
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Historic Paint Analysis
In an effort to insure that the paint in the areas designated as historic were correct, an historic paint analysis was conducted. The analysis conducted by a conservator, involved collecting samples, microscopic analysis, and matching the colors identified to the Munsell color system, an industry standard for colors. The Munsell system assigns numbers to colors that are then compared and matched to modern paint colors from various manufacturers. The process resulted in the identification of original paint colors of the Main Interior Building, and the identification of a rare 1930's era faux-marbled finish which would have complemented the architectural marble and was consistent with the painting trends of the time.
As the modernization progresses, future preservation issues to restore the building to the original design will include reincorporation of skylights in the cafeteria, preservation of the stone interior in the main and side corridors, development and installation of reproduction hallway lighting, and restoration of the Secretary's conference room that will include the removal of the existing wood paneling and replacement of missing marble columns.
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Current Project Status
- The 6th wing has been completed and the occupants have moved in.
- The 5th wing is currently under construction with an occupant move-in date of February/March of 2006. Specialty spaces such as the gym, printing plant, computer room, and North Penthouse are operating on independent schedules and will move at a later date.
- The installation of stair towers reduces the number of available space, resulting in the need to relocate a number of occupants. Upper management is currently determining which groups will be moving out of the Main Interior Building.
- Remedial repairs are being conducted to "C" ramp and upon completion work will be preformed at "A" ramp. Upon completion, "D" ramp will be closed for renovation.
- Submission of materials for LEED-EB certification scheduled for December 2005.
- Questions? Contact Gay Bindocci, Sustainability Coordinator, Modernization Program Office at 202-208-3919 or send email to Gay_M_Bindocci@nbc.gov
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