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[[underlined]] Other Major Construction Projects [[/underlined]]

The Secretary highlighted the following report:

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[[underlined]] Hirshhorn Garden Improvements for the Disabled [[/underlined]]

A construction contract ($184,000) for the first phase of work to provide access for the disabled to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden is underway and scheduled for completion by March 1980. This contract will provide ramps and stairs at the north end of the Garden. An amount of $210,000 is available to provide access to the lower portion of the Garden, and this second phase is expected to begin during Spring 1980. An amount of $100,000 will be sought for FY 1981 to complete the project, which includes resurfacing the Garden with a more stable material.

[[underlined]] Renwick Exterior Repairs [[/underlined]]

Initially, it was anticipated that matching natural stone would be used to replace the presently deteriorated exterior facade of the Renwick Gallery at an estimated cost of between $4 and $5 million. Following further study and evaluation, however, the Institution selected precast concrete as a replacement for the natural stone. This alternative is expected to produce a facade of acceptable quality and durability at an estimated cost of approximately $3.1 million. This is below the estimate given to the House Appropriations Committee. Detailed working drawings are nearly complete, and the Commission of Fine Arts and the D. C. Landmarks Committee are reviewing the proposed repair program. An amount of $600,000 is available in FY 1980 to prepare full-scale plaster models of the stonework, to prepare forms for concrete castings, and to begin partial replacement of the stone. The balance of required funding will be sought in FY 1981 and FY 1982.