Washington National Cathedral Awards Contract for Phase I Earthquake Repairs Project

WASHINGTON — Since the day of the August 23, 2011 earthquake, Washington National Cathedral has been planning for the repair of the damage incurred as a result of the 5.8 magnitude shake.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, the American Express/National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Partners in Preservation program, the Save America’s Treasures program, as well as grants and gifts from other organizations and individuals, the Cathedral has been able to raise $10 million toward the total $26 million needed to complete all repairs. An initial portion of that the initial funding was spent to stabilize the building post-earthquake. The Cathedral is now poised to begin repair work with the remaining funds restricted to earthquake repair.

After going through a competitive bidding process that started at the beginning of January 2014, the Cathedral is pleased to announce that the James G. Davis Construction Corporation has been selected from a group of three qualifying bids to implement the Phase I Earthquake Repairs. This 12-14 month repairs project will address the restoration of the interior ceiling, the removal of the existing interior protective netting and the restoration of the exterior east end, including the six flying buttresses where the most significant earthquake damage occurred. All other repairs will be implemented as further funding becomes available.

SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral