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 District of Columbia public
school system. It houses the materials for both permanent and traveling
exhibits about Black History in the District Schools.
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