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were salvaged and, where necessary, joined with new
material that clearly differentiates the historic from
the modern. The floor is a polished concrete slab and
contains a hydraulic hatch that seamlessly conceals
the stair to the lower-level mechanical room. Since the
Lockkeeper’s House sits in a flood plain, the basement
was carefully waterproofed. The structure was fitted
with air handlers and a geothermal cooling system
with three 350-foot wells that regulate the temperature.
Surrounding the house is a new entry plaza
with seating walls and large willow oaks to provide
shade. The space is designed as a gathering area and
encourages visitors to flow into Constitution Gardens.
For history buffs, the two previous locations of the
small structure are outlined with stone pavers.
The AIA Virginia and AIA Northern Virginia
chapters have both recognized the Lockkeeper’s
House with historic preservation awards. One
design competition jury said of the project, “It feels
like welcoming back a lost treasure.” On most days,
volunteers are on hand to greet visitors and explain
how this evocative piece of Washington history has
been rescued, renewed, and is now ready to play its
part in the next chapter of the National Mall.

Renovated interior, previously divided into several small rooms
on two floors, but now a single open space. Note the open hatch in
the floor at rear, allowing access to the basement mechanical room. Part of the interior before renovation.
Courtesy of Davis Buckley Architects and Planners

Interior with reconstructed fireplace.
20 A KEY TO HISTORY