Vollmer tapped for historic Vanderbilt Hall restoration.

Vollmer Associates has been selected to provide architectural services for the restoration of Vanderbilt Hall, a 12,000-square-foot, historic multi-use space adjoining Grand Central Terminal's Main Concourse in New York City.

Built in 1913, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Designed as Grand Central's waiting room, Vanderbilt Hall now provides a venue for special events including exhibits, fashion shows, fundraisers and weddings. The space features five monumental chandeliers, marble floors and coffered ceilings.

The preservation project will enable Vanderbilt Hall to maintain its original grandeur despite being subjected to wear and tear from constant use. Vollmer will perform a thorough inspection of the space using High Definition Scanning (HDS) laser technology. HDS documents existing conditions in a fraction of the usual time and with much greater detail and accuracy. Vollmer will then develop a restoration design plan that is in harmony with the Hall's historic status.

The intent is to fully restore the space and extend the useful life of the interior, while reducing future maintenance and operational costs. The project will include cleaning and repairs to the man-made Caen Stone walls, marble wainscot and detailing and the pink marble floor, repair or replacement of electrical fixtures, repairs to the monumental windows, cleaning and repair of the decorative chandeliers, refinishing of the wooden benches, and repair of the painted plaster ceilings

Construction is expected to begin in August 2007 with completion scheduled for August 2008. Interference with daily operations will be limited, and the safety, and convenience of passengers will be maintained throughout.