Renovations are coming to the Association of the U.S. Army’s headquarters in Courthouse, bringing sidewalk closures starting this week.
Pedestrian traffic on a portion of sidewalk near 2425 Wilson Blvd will be closed as the 32-week project gets underway. To perform structural repairs and improve below-ground waterproofing, work crews will be temporarily removing the sidewalk, planters and the building’s accessibility ramp.
An AUSA press release promises “a modernized, inviting entrance with improved lighting and safety for employees and other building tenants.” The renovations will also replace the sidewalks, which are currently made of brick, and replace the building’s entryway.
“The work is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of AUSA’s 57-year-old building and its underground parking garage, but it also will contribute to fulfilling Arlington County’s community vision,” the press release says.
The first phase of construction will close the Wilson Blvd sidewalk from the entrance of the building’s garage to the main entrance, while the second phase will close the sidewalk from the main entrance to the loading dock entrance.
A complete press release is below.
The Association of the U.S. Army, which has made its home in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood since 1978, is beginning exterior renovations to its headquarters building at 2425 Wilson Boulevard.
The project will be divided into two 16-week phases, each of which requires closing a portion of the sidewalk on Wilson Boulevard to pedestrian traffic and the temporary removal of a county bus shelter for the duration of the project.
The first phase, which begins the week of March 3, will close the sidewalk from the entrance of the building’s garage to the main entrance. Contractors will remove the sidewalk, planters along the building’s façade and the building’s accessibility ramp to perform structural repairs and improve waterproofing below ground. Following those repairs, crews will install new curbside planters.
The second phase will close the sidewalk from the main entrance to the loading dock entrance on Wilson Boulevard. This phase includes the same façade and below-ground construction as the first phase, and the replacement of the building’s entryway.
At the end of the 32-week project, the association’s headquarters building will provide a modernized, inviting entrance with improved lighting and safety for employees and other building tenants. The new sidewalks, currently made of brick, will provide improved walkability by conforming to Arlington County’s newer concrete standard.
The work is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of AUSA’s 57-year-old building and its underground parking garage, but it also will contribute to fulfilling Arlington County’s community vision. AUSA has worked diligently with the county over the past year to build a renovation plan that is consistent with the county’s master plan and the Clarendon-Courthouse neighborhood conservation plan, which include goals of increased vegetation and beautified streetscapes.
Arlington County granted final approval of the plans in January.
The Association of the United States Army, founded in 1950, is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America’s Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports the soldier and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation.
