The Washington Navy Yard, steeped in history and architectural significance, faced a monumental challenge in its quest to breathe new life into Building #73.

This National Register of Historic Places landmark was slated for an ambitious transformation into indoor tennis courts, but a formidable obstacle stood in its way: widespread lead-based paint contamination.

In this episode I reveal how the project team found themselves at a crossroads, tasked with preserving the building's historic integrity while ensuring a safe, functional space for future generations.

The challenges were numerous.

Structural steel, plaster walls, ceilings, and trim were all coated with potentially hazardous lead-based paint.

Rust and corrosion had taken hold, threatening the building's structural integrity.

The renovation team needed a solution that would not only address these issues but also meet stringent fire safety standards, prove cost-effective, and minimize environmental impact.

Traditional abatement methods would have been costly, time-consuming, and potentially damaging to the historic structure.

Enter GEI (Global Encasement, Inc.), with their innovative LeadLock™ Encasement System.

This groundbreaking approach offered a beacon of hope, promising to meet all the project's diverse needs while aligning with modern environmental standards.

The benefits sought were clear: rust and corrosion mitigation, a Class A fire rating, cost-effectiveness, longevity, minimal surface preparation, and reduced hazardous waste generation.

Moreover, the Navy Yard team was committed to using GREEN and super-compliant zero VOC coatings, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship in the face of climate change.

Global Encasement's solution was elegantly simple yet remarkably effective.

The process began with the application of GEI - R.I.P.™ Rust Inhibiting Primer, directly addressing the corrosion issues plaguing the structural steel.

This critical step not only halted existing rust but also prevented future oxidation, ensuring the building's long-term stability.

Next, the innovative GEI - PrepLESS Primer™ was applied.

This remarkable product effectively locked down and reattached all the old, peeling, and flaking lead-based paint.

By encasing these hazardous materials in place, the system eliminated the need for extensive and potentially dangerous removal procedures.

This approach not only saved time and money but also dramatically reduced the generation of hazardous waste – a win for both the project budget and the environment.

The final layer of protection came in the form of GEI - LeadLock™ TopCoat.

GEI’s advanced, eco-friendly coating provided a durable, long-lasting finish that sealed the stabilized lead paint beneath a powerful, barrier.

The result was a surface that not only looked fresh and clean but also offered unparalleled protection against lead exposure.

The Global Encasement system's benefits extended far beyond mere lead containment.

The entire LeadLock™ Encasement System exceeded building codes and boasts a Class A fire rating, significantly enhancing the building's safety profile.

The minimal surface preparation required for application meant less disruption to the historic structure and a faster project timeline.

Perhaps most importantly, the use of GEI’s GREEN and super-compliant zero VOC coatings aligned perfectly with modern environmental standards and the growing global focus on sustainable building practices.

This innovative approach to lead abatement and historic preservation showcases the vital link between protecting our built environment and safeguarding our natural one.

By choosing an GEI encasement solution over traditional removal methods, the Washington Navy Yard project dramatically reduced its environmental footprint.

Less solid hazardous waste was generated, fewer resources were consumed, and the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting new materials were minimized.

The success of Building #73's transformation serves as a powerful example of how innovative technologies can bridge the gap between preserving our past and protecting our future.

As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges, solutions like the GEI LeadLock™ Encasement System demonstrate that we can maintain our architectural heritage while still embracing environmentally responsible practices.

To Sum IT Up:

The Washington Navy Yard project stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of green technology.

What began as a daunting challenge – converting a lead-contaminated historic building into a modern sports facility – became a shining example of sustainable renovation.

Global Encasement's products not only met but exceeded all safety and project requirements, delivering a safe, beautiful, and environmentally responsible solution.

As we continue to grapple with the dual responsibilities of historic preservation and environmental stewardship, innovations like these light the way forward, proving that with the right approach, we can protect our people, our buildings, and our planet.

"Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet." - Carl Sagan - American Astronomer, Planetary Scientist, & Science Communicator

What are your questions?

We are always here to help and excited to answer them.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Contact us at +1 (800) 266-3982 , or send us an email at service@encasement.com and leave a comment below.

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