Sumner School Renovation
The Sumner School on 17th & M Streets in Washington, DC was saved by protestors standing in front of the wrecking ball in 1983
Klockner
was chosen as the prime subcontractor when the original demolition
contractor almost dropped the entire original building
while attempting to remove specific structural components that had
deteriorated in the life of this Historic Landmark originally
constructed in the 1870s. Shoring experts from Boston were called
in to salvage the structure and chose Klockner to handle
the work in a more sensitive and delicate fashion. Klockner became
involved in virtually every aspect of this project from that point
on.
The
entire wooden structure was rebuilt, including the restoration of its
3 x 14 inch joist systems that span more than 25 feet in each of
the original 30 x 25 classrooms. We assembled a team of specialist
craftsmen from numerous countries. With on-site shop capabilities,
we replaced every door and each of the historic, radius-topped, nine-foot
windows. The uniquely shaped niches and alcoves were
created onsite with quarter-sawn red oak material, up to and including
the finely crafted pedestals for the busts of Charles Sumner and
the cupolas you see here, being delivered on our truck.
Sumner
School is now a museum for the Distric of Columbia public school system.
It houses the materials for both permanent and traveling exhibits about
Black History in the District Schools.
Jos. Klockner & Company 6480
Sligo Mill Road Takoma Park, MD 20912 301-270-3033
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© 1982-2011 Site Last Updated on 01/21/11