Union Station Cleaning & Polishing
The Clean & Polish team meticulously restored the glass panes, drawing upon more than 30 years of expertise in the field. An innovative approach ensured the integrity of the original glass would not be risked.
Project History
Opened in 1907, Union Station in Washington, D.C. was built to symbolize a gateway to America. The ionic columns, marble neoclassical façade and sculptures all evoke a sense of grandeur, while the sweeping arched interior echoes the triumphal Arch of Rome. Today, Union Station is a thriving hub in our Nation's Capital. More than 40 million people visit the building annually, either to ride the train and Metro lines or as a visitor to the site's many shops, boutiques and eateries. Yet above that hustle and bustle, the building's skylights and windows have sat untouched for years, accumulating dust, grit and weather residue.
Access issues prevented facility managers from cleaning the skylights for 20 years. A scaffold or light might be the standard at other sites, but at Union Station it's a no-go because earlier restorations included building additional support structures for the aging roof. Yet without washing and proper maintenance, the glass, an iconic characteristic of the building's design, slowly turned into an unsightly eyesore for residents and visitors to Washington, D.C.
Clean & Polish's Custom Solution
Getting to the windows seemed nearly as challenging as restoring them to their former pristine condition. Working with Grunley Construction, Clean & Polish Building Solutions President, Larry Green, developed a one-of-a-kind system to allow workers to finally access the long neglected windows and skylights.
The Clean & Polish team meticulously restored the glass panes, drawing upon more than 30 years of expertise in the field. They used an innovative approach to reach and clean both the interior and exteriors of each skylight, so the dirt just fell away without risking the integrity of the original glass.
One the restoration was complete the glass glazing and mullion points were methodically concealed with caulk. This was an effective solutions for the perimeter of the west skylight, where wear and tear threatened the integrity of the seal.
