It’s only fitting that the National Building Museum should suffer from the same chronic problems as the buildings it was created to celebrate.
As with so many other institutional and commercial facilities, the Washington, D.C., facility is falling victim to deferred maintenance. So much so, in fact, that it will close temporarily in late 2019 so workers can perform much-needed repairs and improvements, according to Curbed.
The museum will temporarily close so its iconic Great Hall can be repaired, the museum announced recently. The museum is anticipated to reopen in spring 2020, but a specific date was not disclosed. The U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the building, will oversee the project.
The expansive concrete floor of the Great Hall has deteriorated since the building opened in the late 19th century and will be replaced with a “modern foundation,” the museum said in a release.
“This is a necessary investment in our historic building’s infrastructure and we look forward to welcoming visitors back this spring,” says Chase Rynd, the executive director of the museum. The building’s office will remain open during construction.
When the museum reopens, it will feature a new visitor center and classroom on the ground floor.
Dan Hounsell is editor-in-chief of Facility Maintenance Decisions.
