Construction History in Architectural Conservation: The Exposed Aggregate, Reinforced Concrete of Meridian Hill Park

Abstract

To inform the concrete restoration work proposed for Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C., constructed 1915–36, research was conducted to document the construction history of the exposed aggregate, reinforced concrete and to investigate the role of John J. Earley, the man responsible for much of the experimentation in the early concrete work at the park. Several stages of experimentation during the construction of Meridian Hill Park were identified: preliminary experimentation with the concrete finishes in 1915–16, development of improved finishes and forms in 1917–18, and dissemination of the improved techniques to other contractors who worked at the park from 1919 to 1936. The materials and techniques of construction for each period are described. General guidelines are given for future treatment and restoration work at Meridian Hill Park, which should be sensitive to the distinctive finishes for each period of experimentation.