Ford’s Theatre

For this project, Forrester Construction performed construction work to expand Ford’s Theatre’s access to three adjoining structures – the 517 Building, the Back L (or North Annex) and the Star Saloon.  This iconic landmark is best known as the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 assassination, but the historic theatre also continues to hold performances that focus on reflecting family values in American life.

Work involved extensive structural restoration of the theatre’s circa 1800 masonry walls. In order to fully restore the building’s structural integrity, 25 tons of new gridiron steel were set in place above the stage using electric tuggers. This operation also required extensive underpinning and excavation to be successfully completed.

In addition to the structural upgrades, work performed on the theatre included interior and exterior demolition, hazardous material abatement and lighting and audio-visual systems updates.

Project Location:

Washington, DC

Architect:

ASD, Inc.

Size:

40,000 SF

Schedule:

14 months

Awards:

• Washington Building Congress (WBC) Craftsmanship Award (3 awards)
• AGC Washington Contractor Award
• Mayors Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
• Mid-Atlantic Construction Award
• NAIOP DC | MD Award of Excellence
• Construction Management Association of America Award
• National Park Service Accessibility Award for Design