February 13, 2009 – Forrester Construction has completed construction on the “Provide Accessibility and Improve Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site” Project. This project won three Washington Building Congress (WBC) Craftsmanship Awards, which will be presented at an Awards Banquet on March 27, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

This national historic and cultural site produces musicals and plays reflecting family values in American life in the historic theatre in which Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Forrester has now become a part of the history of this site, as we expanded the theatre to access three additional structures- the 517 Building, the Back L (or North Annex), and the Star Saloon. The project involved underpinning and excavation; interior and exterior demolition; up-to-date lighting and audio-visual technology; installation of new air handling equipment, ductwork, and electrical systems; upgrade of building systems; new finishes including ornamental plaster; new slate roof; historic preservation work; and state-of-the-art theatrical equipment.

In addition, the project involved extensive structural work including restoration of the structural integrity of the circa 1800 masonry walls and the setting of 25 tons of new gridiron steel above the stage with electric tuggers. Forrester encountered many project challenges as a result of working in this historic structure built in the 1800’s, including asbestos and lead abatement delays and numerous structural changes.