US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, District of Columbia

The US Holocaust Memorial Museum consists of a recently constructed main exhibition hall (1989-1993) and the Ross Administrative Center (RAC), a historic building (circa 1905) which was purchased and restored to house the museum’s administrative offices as well as the museum café.

The RAC suffered from iron staining and cracking on the terra cotta cornice. Cracking and spalling of brick was also noted in the interior walls of the attic space. From 2003 – 2006, Conservation Solutions, Inc. (CSI) performed a series of conditions assessments, investigative probes and materials testing at the building to determine the causes of the deterioration and recommend treatment solutions. The conditions were found to be tied to corrosion and expansion of the steel outrigger system supporting the terra cotta cornice. The potential for spalling and loss of the overhanging terra cotta units presented a serious life/safety concern. Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) was recommended as a cost effective way to address the corrosion with minimal disturbance to the historic fabric. In 2005-2006, construction documents were developed for the exterior restoration of the facades, including the installation of ICCP at the cornice, in conjunction with minimal unit replacement, structural stabilization with Cintec anchors, patching of losses and routing and patching of cracks. Cleaning, stain removal, spot re-pointing, and sealant replacement were also included in the scope. The work was implemented in the Fall-Winter of 2006-2007, and CSI also provided ongoing conservation consulting and quality assurance for the duration of the restoration.

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