Square 102/GW Museum & The Textile Museum Construction Updates

August 22, 2014
The museum is substantially complete, and the staff moved into the space upon the receiving the occupancy permit July 2014. Punch list items continue, including: curb and fence work around Woodhull House and installation of street lamps/street paving, expected to be completed in early September. Other interior items such as final commissioning, security system work, and furniture installations will continue for the next couple of weeks.

Work is ongoing at the Bell Hall roof where HVAC equipment was removed. This repair work should be completed in coming weeks.

There will be no additional update. 

July 7th, 2014
Hardscaping and landscaping on the 21st Street side of the museum is substantially complete. The loading bay door has been installed, and work to clad and seal this opening will continue for over the next few weeks. Current interior work this week includes final completion/punch list items, cleaning, and furniture installations in preparation for building occupants to move into the space next week. The final update will be posted on August 1. 

June 18, 2014
Limestone facade installation is substantially complete. Work to clad and seal of the loading bay will continue for a few more weeks. Current interior work includes drywall, installation of security/IT, painting and other finishes, cleaning, and furniture installations. Hardscaping on the 21st Street side of the building is expected to complete by the end of June, as the project wraps up with the stone curbing and concrete at the driveway for the loading bay. Streetlamps and new grating over the PEPCO vaults in the sidewalk will be added in the next few weeks.

June 5, 2014
Limestone facade installation is substantially complete. The loading bay door has been installed, and work to clad and seal this opening will continue for a few more weeks. Current interior work includes drywall, installation of security/IT, painting and other finishes, cleaning, and furniture installations. Brick hardscaping that began along the eastern side of the building (adjacent to University Yard) has progressed to the 21st Street side of the building and will be completed over the next few weeks along with landscaping. Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair tower is ongoing. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

May 23, 2014
Work to encase the structure with limestone facade is nearly complete on the west side of the new museum building. Roofing work which required hot bitumen is complete; installation of flashing on the roof continues. 

Current interior work includes drywall installation, finishes, and painting. The focus of the coming weeks will include security/IT, flooring, cleaning, and furniture installations. 

Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair tower is ongoing. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Brick hardscaping has begun along the eastern side of the building (adjacent to University Yard) and will continue toward the 21st Street side of the building. 

April 29, 2014
Work to encase the structure with the limestone skin has made significant progress on the west side of the new museum building. This work will last for approximately another week after which time the scaffolding will be removed. The glazing systems on the bridge and at staircases are near completion. Current interior work includes final installations of drywall, mechanical/electrical systems, security/IT, flooring, and finishes. Site work is in progress in the front of Woodhull House and on the University Yard side of the museum, which includes pouring concrete, setting pavers, and installing landscaping -- this work will last for several more weeks. Scaffolding around the Woodhull House for restoration work on the exterior has been removed.

Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is nearly complete. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Roofing activity with heated bitumen will continue over the next couple of weekends, pending favorable weather. To continue our attempts to minimize odors and mitigate impacts to the Corcoran and Bell Hall buildings, the kettle will be located on the southwest corner of the roof. Charcoal filters are in place for all air handling units and will be checked by Facilities Services staff members regularly.

April 18, 2014
Work to encase the structure with limestone skin continues and has now moved to the west side of the new museum building. This work will last for a couple more weeks. The glazing systems on the fourth and ground floors are nearly complete. Current interior work includes some drywall, mechanical, and electrical installations, with Security/IT, flooring and finishes being among the focuses over the next couple of weeks. Concrete has already been poured across portions of the new sidewalk along the front of Woodhull House. 

Scaffolding around the northwest corner of Woodhull House has been erected to finish the rest of the restoration work on the exterior. 

Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is nearly complete. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Roofing activity with heated bitumen will continue over the next couple of weekends, pending favorable weather. To continue our attempts to minimize odors and mitigate impacts to the Corcoran and Bell Hall buildings, the kettle will be located on the southwest corner of the roof. Charcoal filters are in place for all air handling units and will be checked by Facilities Services staff members regularly.

March 31, 2014
Work to encase the structure with limestone skin continues and has now moved to the west side of the new museum building. This work will last for several more weeks. The glazing systems on the fourth and ground floors are nearly complete. Wet utility connections have been completed. Current interior work includes framing, drywall/plywood, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and flooring installations.

Scaffolding around the south and west sides of Woodhull House have been wrapped to temporarily condition the exterior for renovation work in progress. The scaffolding will be relocated to the north and northwest sides in mid April.

Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is ongoing. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Roofing activity with heated bitumen will continue over the next couple of weekends, pending favorable weather. To continue our attempts to minimize odors and mitigate impacts to the Corcoran and Bell Hall buildings, the kettle will be located in the SW corner of the roof and the team has been instructed again to keep working buckets away from air intakes whenever possible and feasible. Charcoal filters are in place for all AHU’s and will be checked by Facilities regularly.

March 12, 2014
The structure is being encased by the limestone skin, which has made significant progress on the east and south sides of the new museum building and will last for several more weeks. The glazing system on the 4th floor is nearing completion. Framing, drywall/plywood, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical installations are all in progress on the interior. Scaffolding around Woodhull has been wrapped to temporarily condition the exterior for renovation work in progress. Work is underway to compete the chilled water lines on the rooftop of Bell Hall, which is expected to be complete by the end of spring break. Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is ongoing. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Roofing activity with heated bitumen will continue through March 13, 2014 while the majority of campus is on spring break. After students return, work is anticipated to continue for two more weekends. So as to minimize odors and mitigate impacts to the Corcoran and Bell Hall buildings, the kettle will be located in the southwest corner of the roof and the team has been instructed again to keep working buckets away from air intakes whenever possible and feasible. Charcoal filters are in place for all AHU’s and will be checked by Facilities regularly.

A water outage for Corcoran Hall has been scheduled by DC Water for Thursday, March 13th at 9pm and will  last for 6-8 hours.  

Temporary boiler will be removed the weekend of Saturday, March 15th. It is scheduled to begin at 6am and close the center lane and parking lane of the 2000 block of G Street until around noon. The intent is to open the south parking lane for traffic to pass by.

February 26, 2014
Work is underway to encase the structure with its limestone exterior. Currently focused on the east and south sides of the new museum building, this phase will last for several more weeks. The glazing system on the 4th floor will continue for several more weeks. Interior work includes framing, drywall/plywood, ductwork, and plumbing and electrical installations. Scaffolding around Woodhull House has been wrapped to temporarily condition the exterior for renovation work in progress. Work to compete the chilled water lines on the rooftop of Bell Hall will be completed in March with work anticipated during GW’s spring break to minimize any potential disruptions to classes. Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is ongoing for several more weeks and is not expected to create impacts for building occupants.

Roofing work is in progress on the museum construction site and will occur on weekends. This activity will use materials that may produce a tar odor. This odor is not an indicator of a safety concern, and steps are being taken to lessen the odor's presence in surrounding buildings by diverting some of the intake air for Corcoran Hall farther away from the roofing work. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Health & Safety, 202-994-4347.

February 12, 2014
The structure is being encased by the limestone skin, which is beginning on the east and south sides of the new museum building and will last for several more weeks. The glazing system on the 4th floor is also being installed this week. Framing, drywall/plywood, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical installations are all in progress on the interior. Scaffolding around Woodhull has been wrapped to temporarily condition the exterior for renovation work in progress. Work to compete the chilled water lines on the rooftop of Bell Hall will be completed in March. The team is targeting this work during spring break to minimize any potential disruptions to classes. Punch list activity in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower is ongoing. This activity is not expected to be disruptive and will be finished in the next few weeks.

Roofing work is in progress on the museum construction site. Weekends are being targeted for this activity, which will use materials that may produce a tar odor. This odor is not an indicator of a safety concern, and steps are being taken to lessen the odor's presence in surrounding buildings by diverting some of the intake air for Corcoran Hall farther away from the roofing work. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Health & Safety, 202-994-4347.

January 22, 2014
The structure has been enclosed with concrete masonry unit block and temporary barriers for the winter weather. An air barrier has been applied to most of the exterior, and the limestone skin installation has begun along the east wall and will last for several weeks.  

Work on the chilled water lines in Bell Hall was finished up through the 4th floor during winter break. The work left on the roof will be completed in later February/early March.

Some punch list activity will be completed in the Corcoran Hall stair and mechanical tower for the next few weeks which is not expected to be disruptive.  

The temporary boiler in front of Lisner Hall is expected to be removed the first week of February. This will involve a street closure of the 2000 block of G Street for several hours. Once the date is confirmed, notification will be sent to the community.

Beginning later this week and continuing for approximately two weeks, the museum project will conduct roofing work using materials that may produce a tar odor. This is not an indicator of a safety concern, and steps are being taken to lessen the odor's presence in surrounding buildings by diverting some of the intake air for Corcoran Hall farther away from the roofing work. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Health & Safety, 202-994-4347.

January 6, 2014
The structure has been enclosed with concrete masonry unit block and temporary barriers for the winter weather. The limestone skin will begin to be added soon and will last for several weeks. Work is underway on the chilled water lines in Bell Hall with the pipe installed and insulated to the fourth floor level. This will be enclosed and finished in coming weeks so as to minimize impacts to academic activities in the building. The temporary boiler in front of Lisner Hall is expected to be removed mid January. This will involve  a street closure of the 2000 block of G Street for several hours. Once the date is confirmed, notification will be sent to the community.

December 20, 2013
The structure has topped out and has begun to be closed in with concrete block for the pending winter weather. A limestone skin will begin to be added later this month. Installation of the limestone skin is anticipated to last for several weeks. Sprinkler work in Corcoran Hall and chilled water lines installation in Bell Hall will take place over the next few weeks. This timing was selected as a result of the university's winter break. The decreased occupancy level minimizes potential disruptions in these buildings. The new Lisner Hall boiler upgrade is expected to be complete in early January and the temporary boiler is anticipated for removal during the week of January 16. This will involve a road closure of the 2000 block of G Street NW, additional information will be provided once the date is finalized. 

December 5, 2013
The steel erection is nearly complete with the team finishing up the mechanical penthouse level over the coming weeks. The building has begun to be closed in for the pending winter weather and the limestone skin will begin to be added later this month and last for several weeks.

This Saturday (12/7), the tower crane will be removed from the construction site and the 700 block of 21st Street NW will be closed between H and G Streets NW. Pedestrians should still have access to the west sidewalk and also to Corcoran Hall from H Street.

Next Wednesday (12/11), the last boiler will be delivered to Lisner Hall. The north lane of the 2000 block of G Street will be blocked between Bell and Lisner Halls. Traffic will still be able to move through on G Street and the entrance to both buildings will remain open.

Work will be completed in coming weeks on the sprinkler main in Corcoran Hall and the chilled water lines in Bell Hall over winter break to minimize potential disruptions to academic activities.

November 25, 2013
During the Thanksgiving weekend work will continue on site erecting steel, as well as mechanical, electrical and CMU installation. Work will also be taking place in Bell Hall and Corcoran Hall. Installation of the chilled water line will take place In Bell Hall and the relocation of a sprinkler main will take place in Corcoran. Whatever work that is not completed in Bell and Corcoran Halls during the Thanksgiving weekend will resume during winter break.

November 21, 2013
Steel erection has progressed to the roof level and is expected to "top out" next week when the structure reaches its highest level. Installation of sound attenuating materials adjacent floor 1 of Bell Hall was completed in recent weeks. Once the structure is topped out, the building will be enclosed with its limestone skin to protect interior activities. The installation of a duct bank for future PEPCO service is making progress in front of the site and is anticipated to last for several more weeks. Exterior restoration of Woodhull has begun and mesh has been wrapped around the newly erected scaffolding to contain these renovation activities. So as to minimize impacts during December’s classes and finals, work this Saturday and over Thanksgiving break will include the first portion of the installation of chilled water lines in the northwest stair tower of Bell Hall and the relocation of the sprinkler main to Corcoran Hall. All of the remaining work will not resume until winter break.

For deliveries for the Lisner hall boiler upgrade project, there will be several lane closures 11/23, 12/2, 12/9, and 12/14 as well as a street closure sometime during the week of January 16th for the removal of the temporary boiler that is in front of Bell Hall currently

November 4, 2013
Steel erection has progressed to the fourth floor level and is expected to top out in the coming weeks when the structure reaches its highest level. Installation of sound attenuating materials adjacent floor 1 of Bell Hall was completed in recent weeks. The duct bank for future PEPCO service will begin installation in front of the site in coming days and is anticipated to last for several weeks. The egress path from Bell Hall has been rerouted to the University Yard side of the site.

Fireproofing is in progress and deliveries will be made behind Corcoran Hall to the back of the site each day through next week. These deliveries should only take an hour during the late morning or early afternoon.

So as to minimize impacts during December’s classes and finals, work over Thanksgiving break will include installation of chilled water lines in the northwest stair tower of Bell Hall and the relocation of the sprinkler main to Corcoran Hall. This work may also be pushed back to winter break if it cannot be coordinated for completion during Thanksgiving break.  

October 14, 2013
Erection of the museum steel structure is making progress with the addition decking and bracing and will continue for several more weeks. Work to reinstall the steps and area way on the north side of Bell Hall is nearing completion and the emergency egress route from the northwest staircase will be rerouted to University Yard as early as next week. Waterproofing with hot tar is scheduled for Saturday 10/19, Monday 10/21, and Tuesday 10/22 -- this may produce odors noticeable from locations adjacent to the construction site.

September 24, 2013
Recent work on the new Corcoran Hall stair tower includes completion of installing brick façade and windows as well as painting and construction of landing steps. The stairs opened for emergency use this past Monday, September 23. Work on museum structure is progressing with the arrival of Steel. Erection began last week and will continue for several weeks. Mechanical and plumbing installation is underway in the basement levels and will continue for following months and include upper levels as the structure rises and concrete decks are poured.

September 3, 2013
Work will continue in coming weeks on the new Corcoran Hall stair tower including installation of brick façade and remaining work (lights, drywall, paint, finishes) to connect the tower with the building. It is expected that the stair tower will be reopened for emergency egress by mid September.

The waterproofing system, foundation walls and columns for the new museum were completed. Slabs on grade, B1 and ground levels have been poured and steel erection will begin soon. Mechanical and plumbing installation has begun in the B2 level and will continue for coming weeks.

Woodhull renovation continues:  Improvements to the switchgear room in basement are nearly complete and framing throughout this structure in progress.

In Bell Hall, a new steam line for the museum is being run through the first floor is progressing and expected to be finished in coming weeks. The emergency egress route for the northwest stair tower to 21st Street reopened today and will be rerouted to University Yard in coming weeks. Chilled water lines through northwest stair tower of Bell Hall will also be completed in coming weeks.

August 16, 2013
Installation of permanent ductwork on the Corcoran Hall stair tower is finished and work will continue for several weeks on installation of brick façade and remaining work (lights, drywall, paint, finishes) to connect the tower with the building. Slabs on grade level and B1 level have been poured. The foundation walls and columns are nearly complete to the ground level. The ground level slab is expected to be poured by the end of the week and will be followed by steel erection. Woodhull renovation continues: underpinning in basement is complete and framing throughout this structure in progress. In Bell Hall, a new steam line for the museum is being run through the first floor and expected to be finished by the beginning of the fall semester. Chilled water lines through northwest stair tower of Bell Hall are also expected to be complete in this timeframe

August 1, 2013
Progress continues on the second phase of the new Corcoran Hall stair tower: steel erection and concrete decks are nearing completion and the new permanent ductwork to connect the new mechanical units to the building will be installed in early August. Also, work will begin in early August on to install the structure’s brick façade, beginning with the east face and will last several weeks.

For the main museum structure, excavation and support of excavation is completed, as well as pouring of footings and sub-grade electrical and plumbing. Waterproofing and foundation walls are finished up to the B1 level. The slab on grade will be poured in two portions in coming weeks.

Ceiling work has resumed in the Woodhull House to clear away ceilings and framing work will begin soon and continue for several weeks. Work in the Woodhull House’s basement switchgear room in coming months includes underpinning and slab replacement to accommodate the new equipment.

July 22, 2013
So as to facilitate concrete pouring operations at the museum project site on Square 102, the university has permitted for work to occur before and after the standard 7am-7pm permissible hours for construction projects. It is not anticipated this work will create noticeable impacts but this information is being shared since work will occur before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Also, there may be several additional days in coming weeks where similar work hours will be necessary.

July 10, 2013
Work on the new Corcoran Hall stair tower includes recent completion of masonry walls and current removal of scaffolding this week to be followed by erection of structural steel, pouring of concrete slabs, and installation of roof for this structure in August.

Other site work includes completion of drilling, grouting and pulling of tiebacks and installation of lagging (except for elevator pits). Work continues on the excavating and pouring of footings, which are nearing completion. Work began in late June on foundation wall construction and will continue for several more weeks. Subgrade columns have started to be formed as well and will be poured over the next several weeks. Work continues on installation of waterproofing system, which is expected to be done mid-August. Below-grade sanitary and sewer line installation continues and will be completed in coming weeks.

Pouring of concrete for the on-grade and B1 Level slab is expected later this month which may require extended working hours that will be coordinated with the university and permitted by DC officials.

June 17, 2013
The “Joyce” outdoor sculpture adjacent Woodhull House has been relocated to the south side of Lisner Auditorium and the project site fence has been realigned. The erection of the masonry walls for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower has begun and will be complete in coming weeks. Excavation has reached the bottom of the hole on the east side of the site and footings have started to be excavated and the first one concrete-poured this week. Work continues on below-grade sanitary and sewer line installation. So as to facilitate installation of the project site’s tower crane on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, the block of 21st Street between G and H Streets will be closed from 7amto 7pm (note this procedure was previously scheduled for the weekend of June 15). Work is anticipated to begin in coming weeks on museum foundation walls and basement level columns.

June 3, 2013
Foundation walls and first level steel for the new stair tower are complete and work will begin in coming days on the masonry wall. Excavation has reached much of the second level tie backs and excavation of footings will begin in coming weeks. So as to facilitate installation of the project site’s tower crane on Saturday, June 15, 21st Street between G and H Streets will be closed from 7am to 7pm.

May 15, 2013
Grade beams and foundation walls for the new stair tower are complete and work will begin next week on the masonry wall. Excavation has reached the rest of the first level tie backs. Excavation should reach its lowest depth by June.

April 30, 2013
All drilling and deep foundations have been completed where the Corcoran Hall stair tower once stood. Grade beams for the new stair tower will be poured this week with foundation walls expected next week. Excavation will resume next week to reach the rest of the first level tie backs. Excavation should reach its lowest depth by June. The duct systems in Corcoran Hall have been cleaned. The filter fabric used to cover the diffusers will be removed later this week.

April 16, 2013
Work on the removal of the existing Corcoran Hall stair tower has been completed with the structure demolished and all debris cleared. Final underpinning activities and deep foundations began this week and will continue for coming weeks. Grade beams and foundation walls will then be placed for the next phase of the new Corcoran Hall stair tower. After this, excavation will resume and remaining tie backs will be installed.

March 29, 2013
Work continues on the removal of the existing Corcoran Hall stair tower with the structure demolished to near ground level.  Removal of remaining tower (including basement level structure) will continue into next week. The first level of tie backs are now complete. Work continues on the sanitary line relocation work in Corcoran Hall B10.

March 25, 2013
Work continues on the removal of the existing Corcoran Hall stair tower with major demolition activity beginning Saturday March 23, 2013 and continuing into the next week. Work continues on the first phase of the above-grade structure for Corcoran Hall, the new mechanical tower to the east of existing stair tower, including continued installation of air handling units, fans, and ductwork. Work continues on the first level of tie backs and the sanitary line relocation work in Corcoran Hall B10.

March 11, 2013
Work during this week (university spring break) will include transitioning the mechanical equipment in Corcoran Hall from the existing units to new units. This work will cause decreased levels of conditioned air to the building and may also require a brief electrical outage, both of which are being coordinated with impacted academic departments. Upon completion of this transition later this week, demolition will begin on existing stair tower that will last approximately two weeks. Also taking place this week is the first level of tie backs for the sheeting and shoring system.

March 1, 2013
A secant wall is being drilled near Bell Hall and is expected to be completed in the next week. The first phase of the above-grade structure for Corcoran Hall (the new mechanical tower) has made significant progress with masonry walls completed and fireproofing installed. Related to this project, the air handling units, fans, and ductwork continue to be installed and will last for several more weeks. Temporary ductwork will occur incoming weeks to supply power to the area and allow for the demolition of the existing stair tower, which is expected in March, potentially during spring break. Tie backs are expected to be installed in the next month to enhance the shoring system as excavation begins phase two and works toward the lowest level of the below grade structure.

February 15, 2013
The first phase of excavation is complete with approximately 10’ of soil removed. Underpinning activities beneath Bell and Corcoran Halls are complete. A secant wall near Bell Hall will be drilled over the next few weeks. The above-grade structure for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower is making progress with south and east masonry walls complete and the west wall nearly complete. Installation of HVAC equipment is underway and will continue for several weeks. In preparation for the anticipated March demolition of the stair tower, the structure will soon be isolated, signage/notification will be posted, and work will be coordinated with the appropriate GW staff.

January 31, 2013
Excavation will increase in coming weeks. The underpinning is progressing beneath Bell and Corcoran Halls and will continue for several weeks. The above-grade structure for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower is making progress with south masonry wall complete and the east wall in progress. HVAC equipment will be installed in coming weeks. The demolition in the southwest corner of Corcoran Hall’s basement is complete -- enabled by the installation of a new egress platform. The demolition of the stair tower is anticipated in March: signage and notification will be posted and work will be coordinated with the appropriate GW staff. Sprinkler system improvements have been made to Corcoran Hall and are finished. The Emergency blue light phone successfully transplanted to Bell Hall on University Yard.

January 18, 2013
Excavation will increase in coming weeks. The underpinning is progressing beneath Bell and Corcoran Halls and will continue for several weeks. The above-grade structure for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower is making progress with south masonry wall complete. HVAC equipment will be installed in coming weeks. The demolition in the southwest corner of Corcoran Hall’s basement is done enabled by the installation of a new egress platform. The demolition of the stair tower is anticipated in February -- signage and notification will be posted and work will be coordinated with the appropriate GW staff.  Sprinkler system improvements have been made to Corcoran Hall and will be finished next week.

January 7, 2013
Sheeting and shoring continues with the installation of steel piles along west wall of project. The underpinning is progressing beneath Bell and Corcoran Halls and will continue for several weeks. The above-grade structure for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower is making progress with steel framing complete. Masonry wall and concrete decking will be added in coming weeks. The demolition in the southwest corner of Corcoran Hall’s basement is anticipated to occur in coming weeks and notifications will be sent to building tenants in advance of demolition activities. PEPCO is finishing work on the Lisner Hall power feeder on University Yard and anticipates completion this week.

December 11, 2012
Recognizing the importance of the upcoming December 12-21 Final Exams period, the university is extending the prohibition on construction activities likely to be exceptionally noisy to 9:00am on weekdays at the sites for all of GW’s major  construction projects, including the GW Museum. Workers can work from 7–9:00am during this time, but the work may not include activities that are defined in this letter to students (.pdf) dating December 10, 2012 – regular work may commence after 9:00 a.m. Also, work will not occur at these sites on Saturday December 15, 2012.

Sheeting and shoring continues with the installation of steel piles. The underpinning beneath Woodhull will finish this week. The underpinning is now progressing toward Bell and Corcoran Halls and will continue for several weeks. The foundation for the new Corcoran Hall stair tower is complete and the above-grade structure erection of the structure began this week. The demolition in the southwest corner of Corcoran Hall’s basement is anticipated to occur in coming weeks and notifications will be sent to building tenants in advance of demolition activities. Finishing work continues on the Lisner Hall PEPCO feeder work on University Yard. The “Infinity” sculpture previously located on the construction site has now been relocated behind Corcoran Hall.

Over the course of the next several months modifications will be made to the Bell Hall emergency egress stair door and exterior egress pathway on the west end of Bell Hall (closest to Woodhull House) to accommodate varying phases of the construction. Emergency egress will always be accessible and any changes to the pathway will be properly signed. The egress door and stairwell entrance doors are currently signed to indicate that the exterior egress door is to be used in emergency situations only. Additionally, we are working with UPD to have an audible alarm installed to activate when the door is opened (alarm will silence immediately once the door is closed).

Unless otherwise needed, the next project update for this site will be posted the first week of January 2013.

November 30, 2012
Excavation on site continues. Current underpinning at Woodhull House to be followed by initial sheeting and shoring work on the west wall in coming weeks. Corcoran Hall stair tower construction ongoing with the foundation walls completed in late November. Demolition at Corcoran Hall advancing with the removal of room B10 in coming weeks. Notifications will be sent to building tenants in advance of demolition activities. Lisner Hall PEPCO feeder work is now anticipated to resume on University Yard the week of December 3, 2012 which will require a utility outage in mid-December between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. – details of this work will be shared with all applicable tenants upon confirmation. Increased truck traffic to and from the site may occur for a week in mid-December and also the end of January through February. Measures will be taken during these periods to mitigate any traffic or pedestrian impacts.

November 15, 2012
Excavation is anticipated to begin in coming weeks and last through the end of the year.  Work continues on demolition within Corcoran Hall and is anticipated to continue through the end of the year – this work has been coordinated with professors and Deans to mitigate the impact, to the extent possible, of this work on classroom activities. Construction of the new Corcoran tower will commence soon. Work is completed on on the Bell Hall emergency power relocation and air handler unit replacement. Selective demolition continues at Woodhull House. Lisner Hall PEPCO feeder work is anticipated to resume on University Yard the week of November 19 and last through the end of the month.

November 1, 2012
Preparations in advance of Hurricane Sandy ensured no damage to project site during the storm. The sidewalk and curb lane on the east side of 21st Street adjacent the project site (approximately south of Corcoran Hall to Woodhull House) was closed October 26 and will remain for the duration of the project. A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 18, 2012, click here for details. Cameras are anticipated to be installed in coming weeks which will offer online viewing of time lapsed project progress pictures.

Final sediment and erosion control measures were installed at the site and excavation is anticipated to begin in coming weeks. Work continues on the demolition of the Corcoran Hall exterior stairwell and is anticipated to continue for several additional weeks – this work has been coordinated with professors and Deans to mitigate the impact, to the extent possible, of this work on classroom activities. Work is near completion on the Bell Hall emergency power relocation and air handler unit replacement. Selective demolition continues at Woodhull House.

October 8, 2012
Work has proceeded to the point the sidewalk and curb lane on the east side of 21st Street adjacent the project site (approximately south of Corcoran Hall to Woodhull House) is scheduled for closure as early as this week and to last for the duration of the project. Work is scheduled to begin this week on the demolition of the Corcoran Hall exterior stairwell and is anticipated to continue for several weeks – this work has been coordinated with professors and Deans to mitigate the impact, to the extent possible, of this work on classroom activities. Work has finished on installation of the new electrical duct bank from Bell Hall across University Yard to vicinity of 20th & H Streets – resodding will occur later in October/November. Work continues on Bell Hall emergency power relocation and air handler unit replacement as does selective demolition at Woodhull House and installation of wooden perimeter site fence facing University Yard.

September 21, 2012
Work in coming weeks continues to focus on site preparation, including: installation of additional perimeter fencing; re-routing of PEPCO electrical lines connecting site to power hub at 20th & H Streets (including excavating trench diagonally through University Yard); installation of project scaffolding and temporary air handling units; relocation of existing materials and services in Corcoran Hall; rerouting of some utilities in Bell Hall. Also, demolition of the exterior stairwell on the south side of Corcoran Hall is anticipated to begin next week. Given this work will create periods of above average noise, these activities are being coordinated with Deans and Professors in adjacent academic buildings. Selected demolition will begin in Woodhull House.

September 10, 2012
Work begins Thursday September 20 and will last approximately two weeks (pending weather and site conditions) to install a new below-grade electrical conduit between the GW Museum site and H Street power hub. This work will be temporarily ceased during Alumni Weekend so as to not impact events taking place on University Yard during this weekend. Work will include an approximate 10 foot wide path for the excavation, equipment, and workers. Work will begin near Bell Hall and proceed diagonally across University Yard northeast toward H Street (near 20th & H Streets) in three phases each focusing on approximately a third of University Yard. The project team has coordinated with University Events to minimize disruptions to events scheduled on University Yard during this time period. Once the work is completed and the trench is backfilled, a new layer of sod will be placed on the ground and alumni bricks will be returned in the same order as they are currently placed.