Cultural Projects
WMC has been fortunate enough to have worked on unique cultural projects of varying size and scale. WMC’s experience includes a variety of
religious facilities, museums, and theaters. Along with the projects highlighted below, WMC’s project experience includes Washington Monument Grounds Renovation and Security project, National Museum of the American Indian, Korean War Veterans Memorial, National Sculpture Garden, and multiple projects for the Smithsonian Institution and additional private and public institutions.
Smithsonian Institution - Master Plan Phase 1
Washington, DC
WMC is providing civil engineering services for Smithsonian Institution’s Campus Master Pan Phase 1 located at the south side of the National Mall in Washington, DC. This project comprises planning for the area bounded by Jefferson Drive and the National Mall to the north, 7th Street to the east, Independence Avenue to the south and 12th Street to the west.
Smithsonian Institution buildings and gardens that are incorporated in the Master Plan includes:
Washington, DC
WMC is providing civil engineering services for Smithsonian Institution’s Campus Master Pan Phase 1 located at the south side of the National Mall in Washington, DC. This project comprises planning for the area bounded by Jefferson Drive and the National Mall to the north, 7th Street to the east, Independence Avenue to the south and 12th Street to the west.
Smithsonian Institution buildings and gardens that are incorporated in the Master Plan includes:
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Smithsonian Institution Building (known as "the Castle")
Arts and Industries Building Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Mary Livingston Ripley Garden Freer Gallery of Art |
Quadrangle Building including the Enid A. Haupt Garden
National Museum of African Art Sackler Gallery Dillon Ripley Center |
Arena Stage - 1101 6th Street, SW
Washington, DC
Located at the key intersection of 6th Street and Maine Avenue, SW in the District of Columbia, the Arena Stage project involved updating and expanding its facilities by doubling the building’s floor area and refurbishing, as well as, updating the Fichandler and Kreeger theaters, both designated historic structures. The scope involved replacing the Old Vat basement theater with a new experimental theater, ‘The Cradle’ which is nestled between the existing Fichlander and Kreeger theaters collectively designed to occupy the entire footprint of the original site, and conceived as a transparent structure under a large iconic roof. The predominant feature of the roof is an heroic cantilever that gestures towards the Washington Monument and establishes Arena Stage’s position as a significant historic landmark contributing to the development of the South West sector of the District of Columbia.
WMC provided full civil engineering and surveying services for this project. Technical responsibilities included earthwork, stormwater management facilities, utility systems and sediment controls. Streetscape design services were provided along 6th Street and Maine Avenue and included attending DC Public Space Committee hearings to obtain approval for streetscape design. WMC was also involved in streetlight design, meeting ADA compliance standards and coordinating with Traffic Services Administration.
Washington, DC
Located at the key intersection of 6th Street and Maine Avenue, SW in the District of Columbia, the Arena Stage project involved updating and expanding its facilities by doubling the building’s floor area and refurbishing, as well as, updating the Fichandler and Kreeger theaters, both designated historic structures. The scope involved replacing the Old Vat basement theater with a new experimental theater, ‘The Cradle’ which is nestled between the existing Fichlander and Kreeger theaters collectively designed to occupy the entire footprint of the original site, and conceived as a transparent structure under a large iconic roof. The predominant feature of the roof is an heroic cantilever that gestures towards the Washington Monument and establishes Arena Stage’s position as a significant historic landmark contributing to the development of the South West sector of the District of Columbia.
WMC provided full civil engineering and surveying services for this project. Technical responsibilities included earthwork, stormwater management facilities, utility systems and sediment controls. Streetscape design services were provided along 6th Street and Maine Avenue and included attending DC Public Space Committee hearings to obtain approval for streetscape design. WMC was also involved in streetlight design, meeting ADA compliance standards and coordinating with Traffic Services Administration.
Harbourside-House of Sweden
Washington, DC
WMC participated in the design and construction of the new Swedish embassy in Washington DC, housed in a dramatic new 85,000 sq ft building situated at the convergence of the Potomac River and Rock Creek in Georgetown. The site provides spectacular views across the Potomac River that gives the glowing, glass walled structure a grand presence on the river. The unique design by renowned Swedish architect, Gert Windgardh, consists of a lower podium element and a three-story, raised, illuminated glass-clad box.
The House of Sweden is the southernmost building of the Harbourside development. It comprises of a 185,000 sq ft, six-story, Class-A office building on the north end of the site to compliment the House of Sweden. Linking the two is a landscaped courtyard, which extends the historic Virginia Avenue view corridor to Rock Creek Park. The project includes a 2-level, below grade parking garage covered by a surface park.
Washington, DC
WMC participated in the design and construction of the new Swedish embassy in Washington DC, housed in a dramatic new 85,000 sq ft building situated at the convergence of the Potomac River and Rock Creek in Georgetown. The site provides spectacular views across the Potomac River that gives the glowing, glass walled structure a grand presence on the river. The unique design by renowned Swedish architect, Gert Windgardh, consists of a lower podium element and a three-story, raised, illuminated glass-clad box.
The House of Sweden is the southernmost building of the Harbourside development. It comprises of a 185,000 sq ft, six-story, Class-A office building on the north end of the site to compliment the House of Sweden. Linking the two is a landscaped courtyard, which extends the historic Virginia Avenue view corridor to Rock Creek Park. The project includes a 2-level, below grade parking garage covered by a surface park.
Newseum
Washington, DC
WMC participated in this project located on 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in the District of Columbia, between the US Capitol and the White House. The total build out size is approximately 555,000 sq ft. WMC was involved in the design and development of the complex that includes the Newseum, the Freedom Forum’s headquarters and international conference center, restaurant ,and retail facilities, and approximately 126 housing units. The site allows the Newseum to triple its past size. The Freedom Forum closed the $100 million purchase of the site from the District of Columbia in December 2000. Demolition of the former Department of Employment Services building previously on the site was completed in January 2002 to pave way for the construction of the Newseum.
Washington, DC
WMC participated in this project located on 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in the District of Columbia, between the US Capitol and the White House. The total build out size is approximately 555,000 sq ft. WMC was involved in the design and development of the complex that includes the Newseum, the Freedom Forum’s headquarters and international conference center, restaurant ,and retail facilities, and approximately 126 housing units. The site allows the Newseum to triple its past size. The Freedom Forum closed the $100 million purchase of the site from the District of Columbia in December 2000. Demolition of the former Department of Employment Services building previously on the site was completed in January 2002 to pave way for the construction of the Newseum.
Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
WMC participated in the development of this new 250,000 sq ft museum which was constructed on the last major un-built site on the National Mall, the heart of monumental Washington. The newly constructed museum serves as the primary public face of the new National Museum of the American Indian, an institution with additional facilities in New York and Maryland.
Set within the National Mall, where the neoclassical style predominates, the design respects the neoclassical context yet utilizes distinctly Native American concepts, including incorporation of the natural environment. As a project of national significance, many parties were involved in its development, including representatives from many Native American tribes, the Landmarks Commission, the Fine Arts Commission, and the National Capitol Planning Commission.
Washington, DC
WMC participated in the development of this new 250,000 sq ft museum which was constructed on the last major un-built site on the National Mall, the heart of monumental Washington. The newly constructed museum serves as the primary public face of the new National Museum of the American Indian, an institution with additional facilities in New York and Maryland.
Set within the National Mall, where the neoclassical style predominates, the design respects the neoclassical context yet utilizes distinctly Native American concepts, including incorporation of the natural environment. As a project of national significance, many parties were involved in its development, including representatives from many Native American tribes, the Landmarks Commission, the Fine Arts Commission, and the National Capitol Planning Commission.
Howard Theatre
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services for the 34,000 sq ft Howard Theatre, a prominent theatre in the Shaw/LeDroit Park neighborhood that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is credited for being the first and oldest African American theatre in the United States.
The developer’s goal for this project was to renovate the historic Howard Theatre into a world class venue of entertainment, arts and education. The renovation also included green building concepts into the design.
WMC’s scope of services included topographic survey, boundary survey, traffic control design, utility design, stormwater management design, sediment and erosion control, environmental impact screening, and permitting assistance.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services for the 34,000 sq ft Howard Theatre, a prominent theatre in the Shaw/LeDroit Park neighborhood that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is credited for being the first and oldest African American theatre in the United States.
The developer’s goal for this project was to renovate the historic Howard Theatre into a world class venue of entertainment, arts and education. The renovation also included green building concepts into the design.
WMC’s scope of services included topographic survey, boundary survey, traffic control design, utility design, stormwater management design, sediment and erosion control, environmental impact screening, and permitting assistance.
Nigerian Embassy
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services, including below-grade parking and support areas for this embassy located in Washington, DC's International Center. This building establishes a monumental presence in the center of a diplomatic enclave. Expressive of traditions very different from the west, the curved entrance façade is composed of hewn stone culminating in a glass tower marking the building entrance.
WMC was responsible for complete boundary, topographic, and utility surveys, as well as civil engineering design services to execute this project on Lot 3 of the Chancery section of the International Center in the northwest sector of the District of Columbia.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services, including below-grade parking and support areas for this embassy located in Washington, DC's International Center. This building establishes a monumental presence in the center of a diplomatic enclave. Expressive of traditions very different from the west, the curved entrance façade is composed of hewn stone culminating in a glass tower marking the building entrance.
WMC was responsible for complete boundary, topographic, and utility surveys, as well as civil engineering design services to execute this project on Lot 3 of the Chancery section of the International Center in the northwest sector of the District of Columbia.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Centreville, VA
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services for the 52,000 sq ft modernization and expansion of the original structure. The new Mount Olive Baptist Church and support facilities are situated on the existing site located at 6600 Old Centreville Road. This expansion was made possible to the acquisition of additional adjacent property.
Centreville, VA
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services for the 52,000 sq ft modernization and expansion of the original structure. The new Mount Olive Baptist Church and support facilities are situated on the existing site located at 6600 Old Centreville Road. This expansion was made possible to the acquisition of additional adjacent property.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services to renovate, rehabilitate and update three of the four buildings on the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany’s 4 acre site. WMC’s scope of services for this project included site design, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, utilities and environmental impact screening.
As the Civil Engineer WMC was also responsible for reviewing existing drawings, produced by the German General Planner, Landscape Architect, and Architect of Record, for compliance with local regulations. These documents will then be used as the basis of design for the permitting and solicitation documents.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services to renovate, rehabilitate and update three of the four buildings on the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany’s 4 acre site. WMC’s scope of services for this project included site design, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, utilities and environmental impact screening.
As the Civil Engineer WMC was also responsible for reviewing existing drawings, produced by the German General Planner, Landscape Architect, and Architect of Record, for compliance with local regulations. These documents will then be used as the basis of design for the permitting and solicitation documents.
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum is America’s premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. WMC was involved in the redevelopment of the site and provided extensive coordination with the Architect to review every detail of the grading, paving, drainage system, landscape planting and site furniture to ensure aesthetically correct conditions throughout the areas surrounding the historic building. A complete remote irrigation system, as well as a detailed subdrainage system was provided for all planting areas, which required coordination and negotiation with DC DPW, DC Water, as well as traffic and utility companies. The design included a future phase to convert "F" Street from a roadway to a walk and landscape area in order to create a soft green park with brick paved walks that recall the original setting and to create a continuous open space with the adjacent National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial.
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum is America’s premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. WMC was involved in the redevelopment of the site and provided extensive coordination with the Architect to review every detail of the grading, paving, drainage system, landscape planting and site furniture to ensure aesthetically correct conditions throughout the areas surrounding the historic building. A complete remote irrigation system, as well as a detailed subdrainage system was provided for all planting areas, which required coordination and negotiation with DC DPW, DC Water, as well as traffic and utility companies. The design included a future phase to convert "F" Street from a roadway to a walk and landscape area in order to create a soft green park with brick paved walks that recall the original setting and to create a continuous open space with the adjacent National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial.
McLean Bible ChurchMcLean Bible ChurchMcLean Bible ChurchMcLean Bible ChurchMcLean Bible Church
McLean, VA
The redevelopment of this 42-acre, environmentally sensitive site was constructed in two phases and consisted of a new parking structure, new sanctuary, and an additional floor area for educational and cultural events. McLean Bible Church stands beautifully as one of the modern religious/cultural centers in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
WMC provided best management practices and met detention requirements for stormwater runoff, while minimizing land disturbance. This project consisted of public space improvements such as a major highway, on-site roads, multiple entrances, utilities, and landscaping. WMC prepared the feasibility study, special exception plan, site plan and construction-phasing plan. In addition, WMC’s staff maintained constant communication with the Client throughout all phases of design, plan preparation, and permit processing with Fairfax County.
McLean, VA
The redevelopment of this 42-acre, environmentally sensitive site was constructed in two phases and consisted of a new parking structure, new sanctuary, and an additional floor area for educational and cultural events. McLean Bible Church stands beautifully as one of the modern religious/cultural centers in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
WMC provided best management practices and met detention requirements for stormwater runoff, while minimizing land disturbance. This project consisted of public space improvements such as a major highway, on-site roads, multiple entrances, utilities, and landscaping. WMC prepared the feasibility study, special exception plan, site plan and construction-phasing plan. In addition, WMC’s staff maintained constant communication with the Client throughout all phases of design, plan preparation, and permit processing with Fairfax County.
National Gallery of Art - East Wing Stone Repair
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services in conjunction with the stone repair work at the National Gallery of Art East Wing located on the National Mall. Scope of services included Sediment & Erosion Control Plans and permit coordination and approval with District Department of Environment.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services in conjunction with the stone repair work at the National Gallery of Art East Wing located on the National Mall. Scope of services included Sediment & Erosion Control Plans and permit coordination and approval with District Department of Environment.
Octagon Museum
Washington, DC
WMC served as the civil engineer on the design team for the restoration of the Octagon House which restored the structure back to its early nineteenth century condition. Built in 1799, Octagon Museum is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest museum in the United States dedicated to architecture and historic preservation.
The restoration of this museum involved the addition of a mechanical and electrical vault adjacent to the sidewalk on New York Avenue, NW. This addition required rerouting existing water, gas, and telephone utilities and the installation of new vault drain lines. In addition, a new storm drain system was installed to convey runoff from the roof to the public sewer located on New York Avenue, NW and 18th Street, NW.
Washington, DC
WMC served as the civil engineer on the design team for the restoration of the Octagon House which restored the structure back to its early nineteenth century condition. Built in 1799, Octagon Museum is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest museum in the United States dedicated to architecture and historic preservation.
The restoration of this museum involved the addition of a mechanical and electrical vault adjacent to the sidewalk on New York Avenue, NW. This addition required rerouting existing water, gas, and telephone utilities and the installation of new vault drain lines. In addition, a new storm drain system was installed to convey runoff from the roof to the public sewer located on New York Avenue, NW and 18th Street, NW.
National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
Washington, DC
WMC designed improvements to the quality of the proposed sculpture garden by renovating the skating rink and pavilion, and to provide an enhanced pedestrian plaza environment with connections to the National Art Gallery. The project incorporated a complete renovation of the existing ice rink and fountain facilities into a comprehensive, museum grade outdoor site for the exhibition of sculptures. This six-acre facility is highly visible to the public and is a significant expansion of the National Gallery of Arts exhibition space. The site had most of the structure located underground, beneath the historic iron framed building. The 20,000 sq ft underground structure was modified to provide completely new mechanical and electrical equipment for the new ice rink facility and fountains. Due to the extensive existing utilities crossing the site, close coordination with DC Department of Public Works, gas and power companies was required and was responsible for development of all civil, mechanical, electrical and ice rink components.
Washington, DC
WMC designed improvements to the quality of the proposed sculpture garden by renovating the skating rink and pavilion, and to provide an enhanced pedestrian plaza environment with connections to the National Art Gallery. The project incorporated a complete renovation of the existing ice rink and fountain facilities into a comprehensive, museum grade outdoor site for the exhibition of sculptures. This six-acre facility is highly visible to the public and is a significant expansion of the National Gallery of Arts exhibition space. The site had most of the structure located underground, beneath the historic iron framed building. The 20,000 sq ft underground structure was modified to provide completely new mechanical and electrical equipment for the new ice rink facility and fountains. Due to the extensive existing utilities crossing the site, close coordination with DC Department of Public Works, gas and power companies was required and was responsible for development of all civil, mechanical, electrical and ice rink components.
Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Arlington, VA
WMC was involved with this high profile project, Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the Arlington National Cemetery’s hemicycle entrance wall. This project included stabilization of existing gravesites prior to the removal of fill behind the hemicycle wall. A 250-seat auditorium, display areas, a computer catalogue center and memorial foundation offices were all added in underground space. Site design issues included extensive document research and agency coordination; geometric controls and calculations; water feature reviews and coordination; utility layout, off-site grading and road repair. A large pedestrian plaza was incorporated into the design to provide for major outdoor functions as well as the day-to-day public use. The off-site areas slope dramatically which required extensive topographic analysis and surface water routing modifications.
Arlington, VA
WMC was involved with this high profile project, Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the Arlington National Cemetery’s hemicycle entrance wall. This project included stabilization of existing gravesites prior to the removal of fill behind the hemicycle wall. A 250-seat auditorium, display areas, a computer catalogue center and memorial foundation offices were all added in underground space. Site design issues included extensive document research and agency coordination; geometric controls and calculations; water feature reviews and coordination; utility layout, off-site grading and road repair. A large pedestrian plaza was incorporated into the design to provide for major outdoor functions as well as the day-to-day public use. The off-site areas slope dramatically which required extensive topographic analysis and surface water routing modifications.
Smithsonian Institution - Arts & Industries Building Renovation
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services for the phased renovation of a National Historic Landmark building on the National Mall, the 1881 Arts and Industries Building. As the site of the first national museum in the United States, this building has a great deal of national historical significance.
The primary purposes of the renovation was to replace the roof, repair and reinforce the roof structure, replace the windows, repair the basic building envelope, complete the demolition of non-historic interior construction including MEP, fire protection, security and communications systems and equipment, and reinforce the masonry structure. This project stabilized and revitalized the building.
WMC performed all pre-design, existing conditions surveys, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction phase services, and other associated design and engineering services.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering services for the phased renovation of a National Historic Landmark building on the National Mall, the 1881 Arts and Industries Building. As the site of the first national museum in the United States, this building has a great deal of national historical significance.
The primary purposes of the renovation was to replace the roof, repair and reinforce the roof structure, replace the windows, repair the basic building envelope, complete the demolition of non-historic interior construction including MEP, fire protection, security and communications systems and equipment, and reinforce the masonry structure. This project stabilized and revitalized the building.
WMC performed all pre-design, existing conditions surveys, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction phase services, and other associated design and engineering services.
Turkish Chancery
Washington, DC
This new building is located in the heart of Washington, DC's Embassy Row. The design for the Turkish Chancery locates most of the building's mass within the contours of the steeply sloped site.
WMC provided all site and utility coordination with personnel from the Chancery and the District. Stormwater management design which included complete hydrologic and volumetric design was coordinated with DC Soils Resources Branch. Cuts of about 32’ to 53’ were required to reach the lowest floor which required significant underpinning and shoring for the existing adjoining dwellings and public utilities.
Washington, DC
This new building is located in the heart of Washington, DC's Embassy Row. The design for the Turkish Chancery locates most of the building's mass within the contours of the steeply sloped site.
WMC provided all site and utility coordination with personnel from the Chancery and the District. Stormwater management design which included complete hydrologic and volumetric design was coordinated with DC Soils Resources Branch. Cuts of about 32’ to 53’ were required to reach the lowest floor which required significant underpinning and shoring for the existing adjoining dwellings and public utilities.
Costa Rican Embassy
Washington, DC
WMC provided services to the Costa Rican government for the design of the Embassy in Washington, DC. Services included complete survey and design services for the expansion of the main building, modifications to the garage, and complete interior restoration. The project included site planning to define maximum parking lot expansion, site circulation within a tightly constrained parking area, and best method of site access. Layout included analysis of earthwork effects around existing historic retaining walls, steep slope stabilization adjacent to the fill areas, open space and garden requirements and residual parking area design.
Site investigations also included analysis of existing pavement and drainage conditions, and public space requirements for the new site access improvements. Final design included pavement replacement and new paving with details, a two level handicapped accessible parking area separated by a modified retaining wall, landscape architecture, drainage systems and soil stabilization.
Washington, DC
WMC provided services to the Costa Rican government for the design of the Embassy in Washington, DC. Services included complete survey and design services for the expansion of the main building, modifications to the garage, and complete interior restoration. The project included site planning to define maximum parking lot expansion, site circulation within a tightly constrained parking area, and best method of site access. Layout included analysis of earthwork effects around existing historic retaining walls, steep slope stabilization adjacent to the fill areas, open space and garden requirements and residual parking area design.
Site investigations also included analysis of existing pavement and drainage conditions, and public space requirements for the new site access improvements. Final design included pavement replacement and new paving with details, a two level handicapped accessible parking area separated by a modified retaining wall, landscape architecture, drainage systems and soil stabilization.
Korean Veterans War Memorial
Washington, DC
WMC managed the site planning and design of the highly visible memorial. Implementation of the competition-winning concept design required alternative sketch developments in response to submissions to National Capital Parks Commission, Fine Arts, the War Memorial Committee and others in the evolutionary process of arriving at a final solution. Aerial photogrammetry were analyzed to set the baseline relationship of the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
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Washington, DC
WMC managed the site planning and design of the highly visible memorial. Implementation of the competition-winning concept design required alternative sketch developments in response to submissions to National Capital Parks Commission, Fine Arts, the War Memorial Committee and others in the evolutionary process of arriving at a final solution. Aerial photogrammetry were analyzed to set the baseline relationship of the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
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St. Thomas Parish
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services in conjunction with the addition to the existing church facility. The new worship space was built over the remains of a gothic church built in1893 and was later destroyed by arson in 1970.
WMC’s scope of service included site design, grading design, stormwater management, utility design, sediment and erosion control, permitting assistance, and EISF coordination.
Washington, DC
WMC provided civil engineering and surveying services in conjunction with the addition to the existing church facility. The new worship space was built over the remains of a gothic church built in1893 and was later destroyed by arson in 1970.
WMC’s scope of service included site design, grading design, stormwater management, utility design, sediment and erosion control, permitting assistance, and EISF coordination.