Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the beginning of an 18-month restoration project of its historic Washington, D.C. headquarters. During the restoration, the full exterior of the 97-year-old building will undergo detailed maintenance and preservation services. Justin Waller, the Chamber’s Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations released the following statement:
“For nearly 100 years, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building has witnessed history. Over 65,000 business owners, policy makers, and heads of state walk through our headquarters’ doors each year to ensure businesses across the country can thrive and create jobs. With an eye on the next 100 years, we are strengthening the foundation of our headquarters so that it remains a landmark in our nation’s capital for generations to come.
Waller continued, “Our building was built in the early 1900s through the financial support of business leaders and local chambers of commerce all over the country, seeking a strong advocate for the business community in Washington. Our construction partners are the best in the business and are committed to ensuring our building, designed by the architect of the Supreme Court, is fully restored to its original design."
The Chamber has hired renowned restoration experts Hartman-Cox Architects and Simpson Gumpertz & Herger as the lead architectural and engineering partners respectfully. Grunley Construction Company serves as general contractor, Lorton Stone is the project’s masonry trade, and MGAC as project manager. These restoration experts have a wealth of experience and have collectively worked on major historical buildings and memorials including the U.S. Capitol Building; U.S. Supreme Court; Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Monuments; U.S. Treasury Building; National Archives Building; National Portrait Gallery; Kennedy Center Concert Hall; and the 9/11 Memorial.
Today, the Chamber sits on the grounds of Senator and Secretary of State Daniel Webster’s former home, across the street from The White House. Built in 1922, under the direction of architect Cass Gilbert (United States Supreme Court; United States Treasury Annex), the headquarters has served as a place to host world leaders, policy-makers, and business owners from around the world.
