NAS Headquarters Restoration Project Recognized
WASHINGTON — In early May, the restoration of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) headquarters in Washington, D.C., earned the 2013 District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
The estimated $50 million restoration project took place from June 2010 to June 2012.
The 192,000-square-foot headquarters required new building systems and engineering infrastructure, restoration and improvements to the building’s historic spaces, and upgrades to improve circulation and enhance functionality. Sustainable strategies and technologies, such as building integrated photovoltaics and a solar domestic hot water system, were a key part of the enhancement. Since its completion last year, the building’s energy usage has been reduced by more than 25 percent and building maintenance costs have been significantly reduced.
Designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the original building was first completed in 1924. The addition of a west wing opened in 1962, an east wing opened in 1965, and an auditorium wing opened in 1970. Architect Wallace Harrison of New York-based Harrison & Abramovitz designed all three additions. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Quinn Evans Architects, with offices in Washington, D.C., served as the architect on the recent restoration project, which involved modernizing the landmark building while still maintaining the historic quality of the original neoclassical structure and the mid-century modern additions.
“The project of restoration and renewal was very complex, involving preservation of the historic structure and its architectural and artistic details while modernizing it to incorporate the latest technologies and comply with the current building codes and regulatory requirements regarding accessibility,” said Kenneth R. Fulton, executive director of NAS, in a statement.
The first floor was redesigned to include more features than the original conference center and visitor space. The reconfiguration now features three exterior courtyards enclosed with skylights that allow for additional meeting and support space for NAS advisory committees and other scientific groups. The first floor also includes expanded conference rooms, the restoration of two of the original art galleries, and better circulation and accessibility.
More than $2.1 million was spent on conservation treatments. The building’s first level features a mosaic-like ceiling, paintings by Albert Herter, murals by Hildreth Meiere and bronze window panels sculpted by Lee Lawrie — all of which were conserved, repaired and restored.