Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, designed by Architect John Russell Pope, sits adjacent to the Tidal Basin. Dedicated in 1943, the monument evokes Jefferson’s affinity for classical themes. Pope used Jefferson’s own architectural tastes in the design. Modeling it after the Pantheon of Rome, his intention was to synthesize Jefferson’s contribution as a statesman, architect, president, drafter of the Declaration of Independence, adviser of the Constitution and founder of the University of Virginia. McKissack & McKissack had an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with the National Park Service (NPS). We provided design/build and program management services for physical security barriers, historic restoration and preservation for the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. McKissack & McKissack served as the prime contractor for these design/build projects under this task-order contract, which included: Security Improvements Because of the high tourist traffic and prominence of the memorial, the NPS requested that McKissack & McKissack develop a security barrier on the eastern and southern edges of the site. McKissack & McKissack used the forms and materials of the memorial to inspire the design of this barrier. Design consisted of bollards, low walls, fencing, gates and retractable vehicle barrier systems as means of protecting vehicular access to the Jefferson lawn. These characteristics allowed the barrier to complement existing footpaths, enhancing pedestrian circulation and experience of the memorial without detracting from the pastoral landscape. Preservation In order to preserve the memorial’s North Portico wall, marble veneer panels and historic masonry were removed so that the existing steel lintels supporting the marble could be replaced. The marble veneer panels were cleaned and repaired using “Dutchman” repair techniques. Repairs and cleaning were also necessary to preserve the memorial’s colonnade floor, soffit, volutes, parapet and dome and colonnade ceilings.