Viewing page 234 of 242

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-111-

request reflects the considerable progress in FY 1979 towards assembling the Institution fire detection and suppression master plan for all buildings, and particularly for the Museum of Natural History Building. During this period, a comprehensive study of existing conditions and requirements at Natural History, including as-is drawings and proposed plans and specifications, were developed. The estimate for implementing this necessary work in about $3,000,000, and is planned to be phased through FY 1985 at a coast of $400,000 to $600,000 annually.

At this time the Institution is undertaking a similar study of the Museum of History and Technology Building which is scheduled to be completed during FY 1980. Also in FY 1980, the Institution expects to accomplish detection and suppression projects at the Natural History Building ($300,000), at Silver Hill, Maryland ($75,000), at the Chesapeake Bay Center ($75,000), and at the Fine Arts and Portrait Galleries Building ($125,000), as well as other minor projects totaling $75,000. In FY 1981 it is planned to continue work at Natural History and Silver Hill, and to begin projects at History and Technology and the Freer Gallery ($1,305,000). A total requirement of about $6,300,000, is anticipated for this planning period.

[[underlined]] Access for the Disabled, Safety and Security, and Correction of Hazardous Conditions. [[/underlined]] Current standards for handicapped access and public and staff safety will require modifications to eliminate architectural barriers and hazardous conditions at many of the Institution's buildings. Projects underway in FY 1979 include the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and the north entrance of the Natural History Building and modification to the south entrance of the Natural History Building to provide increased emergency exit capacity in addition to improved handicapped access. An amount of $500,000 is expected in FY 1980 to continue these and other improvements.

Throughout the five-year planning period, the Institution will request funding to improve access for the disabled to all of its facilities. Emphasis, however, will be given (starting in FY 1981 with a request for $250,000) to alleviating potentially hazardous conditions at a number of locations caused by exposed asbestos insulation. This condition is most prevalent at several Silver Hill buildings occasioned by the movement of collections and the expansion and contraction of metal walls and roofs. Some asbestos containment work has been accomplished with in-house staff, but a major effort is needed. This and other items are expected to require about $2,200,000 for completion during this planning period.

[[underlined]] Facade and Roof Repairs. [[/underlined]] The exterior integrity of all Institution facilities is critical to prevention of major structural damage and deterioration, as well as to providing a safe environment for visitors, staff, and collections. The contents of most Institution facilities and the age of many structures make work in this category a high priority. The scope of work includes recaulking, waterproofing, pointing, and replacing