Existing Conditions Study: Glen Echo Park Facilities

Macdonald P, Fields T, Dhillion J, Richardson R, Harris T. 1981. Existing Conditions Study: Glen Echo Park Facilities. Historic Structure Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly "to promote liberal and practical education." By 1911, it transformed into DC's premier amusement park until it closed in 1968. Since 1971, the National Park Service has owned and operated the site and today, with the help of the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, offers year-round cultural and recreational activities. Of the 31 identified structures located within the 16.8 acre site of Glen Echo Park, most were constructed after 1920 as part of the amusement park operation which lasted from 1900 through 1967. Since 1972, the majority of these buildings in usable condition have housed a variety of cooperating community organizations, artists, and performers conducting cultural recreation programs with the cooperation of the National Park Service. In an effort to provide an information base that would facilitate DSC planners in preparing the now-in-progress DCP and GWMP personnel in making informed decisions concerning the demolition, repair, and rehabilitation of these often deteriorated structures, this existing conditions report has been prepared. It consists of descriptions of the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, architectural materials, and safety problems encountered in each of the structures as listed in the project Task Directive. Also included in this report is an assessment of their condition and an evaluation of their ability to support present uses. The comments are intended to identify specific areas of concern, possible remedial measures, and improvements necessary to resolve the problems uncovered and increase the buildings' lifespan, safety, and/ or efficiency. In addition, Class II "C" net construction cost estimates have been included to reflect the various levels of treatment required in each structure.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Macdonald, Patrick; Fields, Thomas; Dhillion, Jack; Richardson, Roy; Harris, Ted
Date of Issue
1981-10
Publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Units
GLEC , GWMP , NCR
Keywords
amusement park, existing conditions, Glen Echo Park, recreation
Subjects
CRIS-HS: 045332: Glen Echo Park, Arcade , CRIS-HS: 045329: Glen Echo Park, Bumper Car Pavilion , CRIS-HS: 011960: Glen Echo Park, Carousel , CRIS-HS: 045328: Glen Echo Park, Carousel Building , CRIS-HS: 045327: Glen Echo Park, Chautauqua Amphitheatre , CRIS-HS: 011959: Glen Echo Park, Chautauqua Tower , CRIS-HS: 202406: Glen Echo Park, Crystal Pool First Aid Building , CRIS-HS: 045333: Glen Echo Park, Cuddle Up , CRIS-HS: 045330: Glen Echo Park, Remnants of the Crystal Pool , CRIS-HS: 011961: Glen Echo Park, Spanish Ballroom , CRIS-HS: 045334: Glen Echo Park, Yellow Barn

Series

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