Every project we have the opportunity to be a part of has value and importance to our clients, however, few have such a grand impact as the Black Lives Matter Plaza. Being chosen to help create the plaza in Washington, D.C., was an amazing opportunity to contribute to an important cause—recognizing equality for all Americans.
The plaza was commissioned by Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser following the nationwide protests against police brutality in the summer of 2020. The plaza is located on the site of a previous Black Lives Matter demonstration and is now a permanent installation in the nation’s capital, with a segment of 16th Street NW (from H Street to K Street) renamed to Black Lives Matter Plaza NW.
The plaza features a 48-foot mural that says, “Black Lives Matter.”
We provided construction management services for the plaza, which includes a 48-foot mural in yellow thermoplastic lettering. Construction included installation of:
- Roadway pavers
- Concrete islands with ADA-compliant ramps (at 16th Street and H Street MW and 16th Street and K Street NW)
- Lighted bollards
- Crosswalk push buttons
- Storm inlets
- Curbs and gutter
- Manholes
- Asphalt mill and overlay
- Signage around the site
Being chosen to help create the plaza in Washington, D.C., was an amazing opportunity to contribute to an important cause—recognizing equality for all Americans.”
Sia Agahy and Carol Holland
Project Challenges
In addition to being designed and constructed in a time of political tension, the project also took place during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic which brought on supply chain obstacles. There were many instances where we had delays on specific materials or fixtures that had the potential to impact our deadline. To accommodate this, we were able to adapt and make design changes in order to maintain our schedule. We opted for different materials and fixtures that were more readily available, while still meeting client needs.
Another challenge came from the location of the space. Since the plaza is located in Washington, D.C., it is in close proximity to many notable political figures and buildings. Occasionally, our work had to stop in order for these individuals and their security to pass through our site. Fortunately, these types of interruptions are common in this area and easily managed by our team.
Our close and consistent communication with our client, general contractor, and all the stakeholders throughout the entire project allowed us to respond to these challenges quickly and efficiently.
Associate Vice President and Senior Construction Manager Sia Agahy walks the site of the Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Remembering 2020
As we look back on this project, the plaza serves as a reminder of the events of 2020 and their continued impacts on our daily lives. Despite challenges, we worked every day to find the best solution and, in the end, created a project with a lasting legacy. We are proud to be a part of a project that supports equality for all.