Events DC Announces Locally Based Gilbane Building Company for RFK Stadium Demolition Project
Process Underway to Demolish the 59-Year Old Iconic Stadium
Washington, DC – August 10, 2020 – Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, announced today the selection of a locally based construction management firm, Gilbane Building Company, for the demolition project of the iconic RFK Stadium. The 59-year old stadium is part of the fabric of DC’s history and was once center stage for sports and entertainment in the city.
“We’re excited to bring locally-based construction management firm Gilbane on board as a partner to begin plans to demolish RFK Stadium,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “While it is bittersweet to see this treasured 59-year old stadium go, we look forward to paving the way for the future of this historic site, building on the stadium’s legacy and reimagining the full 190-acre campus with amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
For the project’s Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) goals, Events DC remains dedicated to a pledge of 65-percent CBE participation. Additionally, at least 40-percent of the work will be performed by Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). The total stadium demolition project budget is estimated at $20M.
“We are excited to partner again with Events DC on another historic project in the District,” said Matt Sarver, vice president at Gilbane Building Company. “Gilbane has a long history working in Washington, DC and we are honored to be a part of the final chapter of the RFK Memorial Stadium.”
As part of this project, Gilbane will partner with Events DC to provide cost, schedule and expertise during the demolition process. The demolition process will include abatement, selective demolition, super structure demolition, cutting/capping of utility infrastructure, removal and disposal of all debris, and filling and grading the site. Gilbane has previous demolition experience across DC with projects including, Walter Reed, DC General Family Shelter and St. Elizabeths East Campus. Gilbane along with the joint venture partner Smoot Construction was the design-builder for Events DC’s newest facility, the Entertainment and Sports Arena in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
While we are awarding this contract now and our selected partner will play a critical role in the planning and pre-demolition activities, Events DC anticipates starting the actual demolition in 2022. Additionally, Events DC will preserve certain historical elements of the building and will plan an event to honor its history before it is razed.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
About Gilbane Building Company
Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 50 office locations around the world providing construction services. A Top 5 Builder in the DC metro area, according to the Washington Business Journal, Gilbane continues to increase our presence throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. By working with notable clients such as the D.C. Department of General Services, D.C. Public Library, Tishman Speyer, Capital One, Children’s National Medical Center and others; Gilbane has built a portfolio of diverse and complex facilities. Gilbane continues to hire the best talent, invest in the local community and push the boundaries of the industry as we have consistently done in the area for more than 40 years. www.gilbaneco.com
