PROJECT PROFILE: American Bar Association
Location
Washington, DC
Description
The American Bar Association national headquarters was built as the Union Trust building in 1907. It was designed by the well-known Washington DC architectural firm Wood, Donn & Deming, known for their use of classical elements to punctuate modern designs. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Beaux-Arts building is clad in granite and limestone, highlighted by ornate pressed metal and iron grill work.
Scope of Project
Exterior masonry:
- Each facade was scaffolded and treated separately, requiring protection for traffic and pedestrians, as well as the temporary relocation of a bus stop.
- All exterior granite, limestone, and concrete were cleaned with a safe, effective detergent. Heavier staining was isolated and treated chemically.
- Granite spalls were patched with matching mortar and aggregate to simulate granite texture. Damaged limestone and precast concrete elements were patched as well.
- Deteriorated mortar joints were cut out and repointed with an appropriate mortar.
- The post-and-wire bird deterrent system was removed.
- To repair the 10th floor balustrade, it was disassembled and the iron fasteners were replaced with stainless steel.
Exterior metals and wood:
- WEI restored the wood double-hung window sashes and frames, which required the appropriate lead containment procedures.
- The decorative metal between the 4th and 8th floors was stripped, repaired, and recoated.
- The monumental iron bars, windows, doors and lamp posts at street level were stripped and recoated as well.
- Our crew worked under escort in the occupied building and especially strict security while restoring the windows and doors in the bank branch on the ground floor.
Interior:
- WEI cleaned the historic marble walls and columns in the lobby.
