Corcoran College of Art and Design
Corcoran Gallery of Art
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The Restoration Process

FAÇADE

Restoration Restoration

The Corcoran is embarking on a major restoration of its historic Beaux-Arts façade and roof. While this project will return the stone and ironwork to its original beauty, it will more importantly better protect and preserve the art treasures inside. The façade work on Seventeenth Street and New York Avenue is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, and the roof restoration will occur in phases which began in late January 2009 for completion in fall 2010.  Exhibitions will continue as planned, and the building will remain open to the public.

Designed by Ernest Flagg, the building opened to the public in 1897 with President Grover Cleveland and his Cabinet in attendance at the opening festivities. The basement level of the building is constructed of Pink Milford granite, while the upper levels are brick faced with White Georgia Cherokee marble. Over the years, pollution and the elements have taken their toll on the building materials. During this restoration, the façade will be cleaned, eroded marble ornament will be conserved, and masonry joints and cracks will be sealed to prevent moisture penetration into the building.

The cleaning process consists of a water nebulization (misting) system that slowly and gently removes general soiling as well as the black gypsum crust and the greenish areas of biological growth (such as lichen) that have formed on the marble. The ornamental bronze grates on the first floor windows will be removed and restored offsite. Cross-section analysis of the wood coatings has revealed the original dark gray color that will be used to repaint the window trim. 

ROOF

Restoation Restoration

In early 2009, the Corcoran will begin restoration on the roof of its historic building, which was completed in 1897. Covering approximately 48,000 square feet—85 percent of which is glass—the roof’s multifaceted structure includes varying types of construction, drainage, and elevations. Further complexities have been added to the design by later replacements and alterations, including the addition of a wing along E Street in 1927. No comprehensive repair program has been undertaken to address the roof and skylights since the early 1980s.

The goal of the project is to seal off the building from moisture, control the light and heat transmitted into the interior, and update the climate control equipment that is located in the attic. The flat roof will be replaced and the elaborate skylight system will be retrofitted with state-of-the-art glass panes that control the heat and light transmitted into the galleries. Underneath the skylights, ventilation in the expansive attic will be upgraded to allow for better and more cost-effective control of the interior environment. Air handlers on the roof will be replaced and duct work will be rerouted. The aged copper paneling on the roof will be replaced with copper, which will initially have a reddish brown appearance. However, within five years, the panels will begin to take on the greenish appearance that is such a familiar part of the building. Historically significant architectural elements will be conserved.

Tourism Cares--Logo

Support for this project is provided by the government of the District of Columbia, Save America’s Treasures program of the National Park Service, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Philip L. Graham Fund, The D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, The Prince Charitable Trusts, an anonymous donor, Tourism Cares, and the Gradison Foundation. In addition, individual support is provided by Ronald Abramson, Cherrie and Bud Doggett, and John T. Hazel Jr.