Submitted by the Smithsonian Institution
Preliminary and Final Approval
Renwick Gallery Renovation
American Art Museum
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC
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Project Information
Project summary:
The Smithsonian Institution has submitted preliminary and final site and building plans for the Renwick Gallery Renovation. The
Renwick Gallery is a National Historic Landmark that was originally constructed as the Corcoran Gallery of Art beginning in
1859. The last major renovation for the building was completed from 1967 to 1972 when it was restored to an art gallery after
being used for other purposes for several decades. Since the 1967-1972 renovation, when the building’s first modern systems
were installed, incremental improvements have been made, including exterior masonry repair and restoration, interior exhibit
gallery improvements and other infrastructure repairs. However, most of the existing building systems date to the initial
renovation and have reached or surpassed the point of useful service. In addition, the building does not comply with current life
safety codes and has deficiencies relate to compliance with current accessibility requirements. The purpose of the propose
renovation is to replace and renovate major infrastructure systems and improve interior conditions to ensure the preservation of
the building and provide safe and sustainable building conditions for efficient operations, presentation and preservation of the
collection, and a superior visitor experience.
The primary focus of the proposed renovation is the interior which will have limited impacts on the exterior of the building. The
following summarizes the exterior alterations: 1) a new elevator penthouse will project above the central roof plane, to enable
the elevator run to extend to upper mechanical equipment levels, providing safe access for maintenance; 2) exterior windows
will be replaced with new high-performance custom units with frame, muntin and glass division characteristics and profiles to
match historic design; 3) the existing wheelchair ramp at the 17th Street side will be replaced with a new, compliant, concrete
ramp with improved railing and lighting; and 4) the existing exterior egress stair in the alley north of the building will be
modified, with improvements to address life safety codes.
Commission meeting date: September 12, 2013
NCPC review authority: Federal projects in the District of Columbia - 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1) and (d)
Applicant request: Approve preliminary site and building plans
Delegated / consent / open / executive session: Delegated
NCPC Review Officer: J. Hirsch
NCPC File number: 7518
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Project Information
Project summary:
Other items included in the project will impact the exterior, but there will be no notable change to the building’s
appearance. This includes the following: 1) roofing will be installed at the majority of roof surfaces, where existing roofing
is near its end of service life. (Character-defining slate mansards and decorative metal roof components shall remain as
existing, with repairs where necessary.); 2) masonry facades will be repointed and repaired as needed; 3) roof gutters and
storm leaders on the north and east facades are deteriorated, and will be replaced in kind. (South and west gutters and
leaders were previously rehabilitated and are in good condition.); 4) existing damaged exterior plaster at the base of the
building will be restored; 5) new water, sewer, and stormwater mains will be installed, with no change to the streetscape
anticipated; and 6) existing gas, electric, and data service mains will remain.
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Project Location
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Existing and Proposed Roof Conditions
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Existing Roof Conditions
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Proposed Roof Conditions
Design proposed in 2011 would altered historic roof framing and had potential for adverse effect on historic
resource; proposed design minimizes effects and reduces visual impacts
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Smithsonian mocked up location for elevator extension to analyze potential effects on historic and visual resources
Viewshed analysis
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Viewshed analysis
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Viewshed analysis
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Window Replacement
34 windows will be replaced with aluminum frame windows with steel reinforcing
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Window Replacement
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Window Replacement
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Window Replacement
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Existing Conditions – Ramp at 17
th
Street
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New Ramp at 17
th
Street
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Egress Stair
Egress stair between Renwick Gallery and the Executive Office Building will be modified to incorporate code upgrades
and provide access to the adjacent cooling tower platform
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Egress Stair
