PROJECT Daughters of the American Revolution - Constitution Hall Lobbies and President General's Reception Room Renovation
LOCATION Washington, District of Columbia, US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 12/1/2015
ARCHITECT Quinn Evans Architects
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT
OWNER/CLIENT Daughters of the American Revolution
CONTRACTOR / CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Christman Company
PHOTOGRAPHER Ron Blunt
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Tom Jester, AIA, FAPT, LEED AP, Katie Irwin, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, Maureen Vosmek, NCARB
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. The organization’s National Society Headquarters complex, comprised of Memorial Continental Hall, Constitution Hall, and the Administration Building, occupies a full city block within Washington DC’s historic monumental core. Constitution Hall is a designated National Historic Landmark. Constitution Hall was designed by John Russell Pope and built in 1929.
A series of restoration projects have addressed ongoing maintenance, preservation, and project planning concerns of this national organization headquarters. This includes the renovation of the historic interior of the President General’s Reception Room and the lobbies of Constitution Hall, a 3,700- seat auditorium venue. The project also included hazardous materials abatement and mechanical upgrades throughout Constitution Hall.
The lobbies of Constitution Hall welcome over half a million patrons annually, attending events such as concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra, National Geographic’s film series, the Country Music Awards, and the annual taping of Jeopardy! The 475-foot-long U-shaped lobbies for this grand venue underwent a renovation project. Particular attention was given to the plaster walls and the rich details of the acoustical plaster ceilings. After extensive surveys of the conditions of existing materials, the design team consulted with plaster craftsmen. Paint removal went a long way to better reveal the bas relief detailing. The richness of the decorative plaster reliefs and gilded rosette light fixtures within the continuous vaulted ceilings are now punctuated with a new palette of color and finishes which highlight the opulence of the historic space. A custom carpet was designed to complement the neoclassical details in the ceiling and custom draperies were provided in the semi-circular niches. The metal paneled doors were restored with faux mahogany graining and the doors to the auditorium received new leather and restored oval leaded lights. Lighting throughout the lobby was upgraded and enhanced with LED fixtures and drinking fountains were replaced with decorative marble backsplashes. The restored lobbies provide a sophisticated gathering space and appropriate entry into this nationally significant landmark venue.
A separate project renovated the President General’s Reception Room, which is primarily used for private events and gatherings for dignitaries, performers, and special guests of the Congress and the President General. Drawing upon the richness of the period furnishings and antiques and inspired by the custom carpet that fills the room, this stately formal reception space was renewed. The room is brightened with a new paint scheme which complements and accentuates the restored ceiling medallion and intricate architectural details that surround the room.
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 2 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 3 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 4 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 5 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 6 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 7 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
IMAGE 8 Daughters of the American Revolution, DC Headquarters, © Ron Blunt
Daughters of the American Revolution - Constitution Hall Lobbies and President General's Reception Room Renovation
Category
Local > AIA Potomac Valley > Institutional Architecture (AIA Potomac Valley)
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