Construction Access Alternatives for the Lincoln Memorial

Hartman-Cox Architects

This report examines alternatives for temporary construction access at the Lincoln Memorial. Over the next several years, construction activities will occur at the Lincoln Memorial, particularly in the undercroft (basement) spaces. Access to the raised terrace undercroft (the space below the elevated grassy area at the base of the memorial), the statuary chamber undercroft (the space below the Lincoln statue) and the approachway undercroft (the space below the large plaza between the statuary chamber and Lincoln Circle) is limited. The use of the existing openings entails intensive hand labor for the delivery and removal of equipment and materials. Some equipment needed for the on-going preservation is difficult, if not impossible, to get into the undercroft using current access. Existing openings between the raised terrace undercroft and the statuary chamber undercroft and between the statuary chamber undercroft and the approachway undercroft also restrict the size of equipment and materials. Anticipated uses of the proposed temporary construction access include: •mural heating system replacement •approachway structure repair •soil removal •slab inspection and repairs •storm drain repair •future construction projects. We recommend the construction of a covered areaway, or vertical shaft, at the center of the west elevation of the memorial. The areaway will be approximately 17 feet by 15 feet by 15 feet deep. The soil will be stabilized by shoring and an opening in the concrete retaining wall below the granite facing of the raised terrace wall will be made to allow access to the undercroft. A crane will raise and lower heavy and bulky materials and equipment to the undercroft floor.

Construction Access Alternatives for the Lincoln Memorial

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