WASHINGTON, DC –  Consigli Construction Co., Inc. has begun construction for the renovation of the Renwick Gallery, a National Historic Landmark and home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s craft and decorative arts program.   The first comprehensive renovation of the building in 40 years will involve renewed infrastructure, enhanced historic features, and other upgrades that will make the National Historic Landmark building, originally designed in 1859, a 21^st-century destination.

The renovation of the 34,000 square-foot masonry structure includes replacement of all heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and fire-suppression systems and upgrades to security, phone and data communication systems. Wireless access will be installed throughout the building.  Original window configuration will be re-created and two vaulted ceilings in the second floor galleries will be restored.  The basement will be reconfigured to provide additional staff offices and workshops.

The building will be outfitted with an all-LED lighting system, a landmark advance in energy efficiency that will reduce energy needs by as much as 70 percent. Combined with other infrastructure improvements, the new lighting system will significantly reduce the building’s environmental footprint.

Consigli, a national award-winning construction management firm, has restored and renovated other notable American museums such as the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Conn., the oldest public art museum in the United States and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; The Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown, Mass.; and the Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville, Maine, the largest art museum in the state.  Consigli’s work on other National Historic Landmarks includes the renovation and restoration of the New York State Capitol building in Albany, and the restoration of Trinity Church and Old South Church in Boston.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the restoration and modernization of the Renwick Gallery, and are excited to expand our specialized landmark restoration work to the D.C. area,” said Anthony Consigli, president of Consigli.

Lead architectural design and engineering firm for the project is Westlake Reed Leskosky, based in Cleveland with offices in Washington, D.C.

Construction is expected to be complete in 15 months.