MLK Library Renovation Field Trip

On Friday, November 30, 2018, students from the Washington Lee High School Mentor Team attended a construction site visit to the MLK Library Renovation located at 901 G St NW in Washington, D.C. The building serves as the headquarters for the DC public library system and is a rare example of modern architecture in DC, especially when it was built in 1972. The construction project includes a total renovation of the building with both architectural and structural upgrades and a total replacement of the building’s electrical and mechanical systems. Some key points of the project are the addition of a new floor on top of the building, the addition of an auditorium, and the replacement of all 4 building cores, including two new monumental staircases. The group of 10 students toured all 8 floors of the building, including the lowest level which houses the building’s major mechanical equipment. The project is a joint venture between Smoot Construction and Gilbane Building Company. The site visit was led by Jonathan Hrehor, Superintendent II at Gilbane, and a lead mentor at Washington Lee. Several students said they are more interested in entering the A/E/C industry after attending the site visit.