The process to bring down RFK Stadium is in motion.
On Thursday, Sept. 10 District convention and sports authority Events DC announced that construction management firm Gilbane Building Company has been selected as the contractor for the demolition project of the iconic RFK Stadium.
The 59-year old stadium is part of the fabric of DC history and was once center stage for sports and entertainment in the city.
Now that the contract has been awarded, planning and pre-demolition activities can begin. Events DC anticipates starting the actual demolition in 2022. Events DC said that certain historical elements of the building will be preserved. There will also be an (as yet unannounced) event to honor its history before it is razed.
“While it is bittersweet to see this treasured 59-year old stadium go,” said Events DC President and CEO Gregory A. O’Dell, “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.”
“We are excited to partner again with Events DC on another historic project in the District,” said Gilbane Building Company Vice President Matt Sarver. “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 the 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 was part of the design-build team for Events DC’s Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights.
Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned construction company, Gilbane is a Top 5 Builder in the DC Metro area, according to the Washington Business Journal. Gilbane has presence throughout the District and Northern Virginia. Learn more at www.gilbaneco.com
