Presidential Inaugural Parade Viewing Stands

McKissack was responsible for designing and managing the construction of the Inaugural Parade Viewing Stands for the 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025 inaugurations in Washington, DC. The Presidential Inaugural Parade Viewing Stands, located at the White House, Lafayette Park, and City Hall, accommodate the President-Elect, staff, media, and DC Mayor’s staff. These stands are temporary, recyclable structures built on a fast-track schedule to accommodate the ceremonial needs of the incoming administration. Each cycle, McKissack is responsible for architectural design, construction documentation, construction administration, and as-built drawings. Because the Department of Homeland Security designates the event as a National Special Security Event, McKissack must adhere to strict security measures for the stands’ design and construction. The Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. is one of the most significant and symbolic events in American democracy. Held every four years on January 20th, it marks the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next—a cornerstone of the U.S. constitutional system. The event is steeped in tradition, ceremony, and national unity, drawing attention from across the country and around the world.