Tower Cranes; Part II (6/17/16)

Nothing heralds urban expansion better than a Tower Crane. Tower cranes are visible all across our city’s skyline. From the roof of Gewirz Residence Hall, one can see twenty tower cranes dancing across the sky, changing the urban landscape and the rhythms of life in the…

The Things You Will Never See: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

D.C. Architectural Styles — 1750 to 1850

Work at the Capitol Crossing site is progressing at a dizzying pace. One must visit the…

The Italian Community in the Old East End

Since last I wrote, much of the external and internal work at 250 Massachusetts Avenue…

Make No Little Plans; Part III — Early Attempts to Develop the Air Rights

Pile Driving and Lagging Boards (3/17/15)

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back. I hope you all had an enjoyable Spring Break. While you were away, construction of the new 2nd Street portal and exit ramp from I-395began in earnest. The vibrating pile driver arrived from Florida —…

Topping Off (1/18/2017)

Cold and rainy weather can hamper a construction project, especially one involving concrete pours. Excess water can alter the concrete mixture and cold weather can affect the curing process. Rest assured the BBC/Miller & Long team has taken the appropriate steps to maintain the…

Elevators

The press of other Georgetown business has delayed my first Noteof the academic year. Since I last wrote, much has been accomplished on the…

Elevators II

ELEVATORS II

My last Construction Noteleft the story of elevators at the turn of the 20thcentury, when art…

GLASS BOX BUILDINGS: FROM THE BAUHAUS TO CAPITOL CROSSING