Gilford’s Phase I work for the Monument restoration consisted of the complete demolition and replacement of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, elevator, and fire alarm systems. The project required hazardous material abatement (self performed) as well as minor architectural upgrades. New HVAC equipment and electrical service was provided as well as the elevator hoistway system, elevator car, cables, and controller. Mechanical/electrical bunker rooms were abated and completely refurbished.
The nature of the work, tight working space and constricted lay down area, and the logistics of working at 500 feet without the use of an elevator necessitated close coordination and multiple phases. Work was staged from top down so that as much material as possible could be delivered to the job prior to losing the elevator thus requiring precision scheduling and coordination.
Another challenge was making the tallest and one of the oldest elevators in Washington functional and code compliant. This required considerable teamwork amongst Gilford, the elevator subcontractor, The National Park Service, and the GSA Elevator Inspection Branch to accomplish this difficult task.
Gilford also subsequently provided Phase II restoration work which included lead paint abatement, interior finish renovations at the 490 and 500 foot tourist observation areas, and buttress protection of interior stonework.
