Gilbane Building Co

Scope Of Work

Gilbane, in a joint venture with Smoot Construction, was selected as the construction manager at-risk for the landmark modernization of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The new design concept, developed by signature design team Martinez + Johnson and Mecanoo, consists of a fifth floor addition to the existing building that will feature a two-floor performance and exhibition space spanning the fourth and fifth floors. The lower level will contain new creative spaces for fabrication, music and art. An extensive green roof space above the fifth floor will enhance the sustainability of the building, as well as open up space for the community to enjoy greenery away from the urban site of downtown DC.

In addition to the new spaces, restoration of the historic façade and replacement of the exterior glazing system will rejuvenate the beauty of Mies’ original design. The interior transformation will include integration of two new monumental stairs, total gut and reprogrammed build-out of the entire building, inclusive of new building cores, and construction of a new indoor and outdoor cafe. The new, modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will reopen in 2020.