ALMOST COMPLETE – Union Station Update
Since 2011, Michael Winstanley Architects & Planners (MWAP) has been working on the restoration and modernization of the iconic Union Station in Washington, DC. While the scaffolding in the Main Hall is a visible indication of work being performed, what is not apparent are our efforts behind the scenes out of public view. We thought you would like to get an update on the progress to date.
In the Main Hall, the scaffolding is now in the 5th bay and the gold leaf and plaster ceiling is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Additional work includes the refurbishment of the East Hall clerestory windows, repairs to the West Hall skylight and the retail concourse arched windows. The east side esplanade and below grade repairs are also nearing completion. In addition, new lighting, signage, and miscellaneous maintenance improvements in the Parking Garage Escalator Pavilion have been underway since Spring and will also be completed by year’s end.
MWAP was initially engaged to prepare a full building and engineering assessment review of the historic train station, which was designed by Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1907. As the original building assessment was nearing completion in August of 2011, a rare 5.8 earthquake in the Piedmont are of Virginia rattled Washington, DC, resulting in damage to the historic vaulted ceiling in the Main Hall. Protective netting and scaffolding were installed to protect the public while the damage was assessed and a course of action for repair and future sustainment was determined. Restoration began in 2013, involving master plasterers, painters and gilders. An entirely new above-ceiling, serviceable HVAC System was simultaneously installed with support from the MWAP Team.
The program is being led by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and the resident building management firm, Jones Lang LaSalle. Their joint leadership and vision has been instrumental in implementing such a complex multi-year assignment.
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