Federal Reserve Eccles & 1951 Constitution Avenue Building—NDA—Private
The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building and the 1951 Constitution Avenue Building are two buildings currently under the operation of the Federal Reserve. The 1951 Building was constructed first, being completed in 1932 for the U.S. Public Health Service; it has housed a wide variety of government agencies over the years until being transferred to the Federal Reserve in 2018. The Eccles Building was completed in 1937 as the headquarters of the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal Reserve has occupied it ever since. Both buildings are classic examples of the modern take on Neo-Classical Revival style seen in governmental buildings of the period. For their significance they have both been listed on the District of Columbia Inventory of historic Sites, and the 1951 Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As a part of the comprehensive modernization and expansion of the Eccles Building and the adjacent 1951 Constitution Avenue Building, the existing buildings are to be updated, and high- character spaces, features, and materials preserved to the greatest extent possible. Rooms were ordered by significance, with the most significant spaces being addressed with the utmost care.
EverGreene was contracted with addressing the plaster and decorative finishes as part of the preservation portion of the project goal in both buildings. Prior to beginning work the spaces being treated were assessed by the team to confirm areas requiring treatment. Damage to the interior plasterwork resulted in water damage, efflorescence, finish coat failure, both major and minor cracking, and delaminated plaster; as well damage as the result of previous demolition campaigns. A team of EverGreene craftspeople worked to preserve the original plaster and decorative finishes that could be saved; remove loose, damaged, or deteriorated plaster and finishes; and fabricate new portions where needed. Three different plaster techniques were used– traditional three-coat plaster, ornamental plaster, and veneer plaster – depending on what kind of plaster was being treated. Once plaster work was complete, the new plaster, as well as damaged historic finishes, were reintegrated. EverGreene artisans addressed both flat plaster areas, as well as those requiring techniques, including faux-bois (faux wood graining), marbleizing, and glazing.
EverGreene has previously done work at the Eccles Federal Reserve Building, including the 2012 restoration of the grand window and spandrel panels on the west and south facades. Each bronze element was cleaned of loose corrosion, chemically patinated to a statuary bronze, and coated with lacquer. Work was performed within the site’s scheduling requirements and completed within budget.
