DAR Constitution Hall Stage Restoration

DAR Constitution Hall, Washington DC’s largest concert hall, welcomes
over half a million patrons each year. The Hall opened in 1929, and was designed to house the annual DAR convention. With Christman’s expertise, Constitution Hall underwent its largest restoration project in its history.

Project highlights included the removal of all seating in the auditorium to demolish and replace the concrete floor; installation of all new electrical wiring; completion of plasterwork throughout the entire Hall; abatement/removal of significant amounts of lead paint and asbestos-containing materials; painting and the installation of seating; new carpeting; upgraded lighting; and a massive safety catwalk in the attic. The installation of new, brighter and more historically appropriate ceiling fabric was completed, along with the upgrade of the sprinkler system and installation of extensive attic steelwork to provide better structural support.

Finally, the team worked to uncover a historic laylight that had been covered for more than seven decades. The laylight was brought back to the spirit of its original design using modern technology to replicate natural lighting, including overhead starlight at night.