The Civil War-era Old Naval Hospital on Capitol Hill is undergoing a makeover to become a modern community center, heated by 35 geothermal wells, surrounded by a cafe and gardens. The newly named executive director explains what it will offer.
What is the purpose of the Hill Center?
It will serve a broad constituency of local children, families and mature citizens, as well as provide a beautiful meeting space for out-of-town groups, workshops, conferences, organizations that are looking for a very special, intimate boutique environment to do work, to do continuing learning.
When will the renovations be finished?
It looks like we’re on budget and on target to wrap the renovations in June.
Have you gotten to explore the building yet?
I have indeed been very privileged to make several visits to the building. … It’s four stories, and every room has these absolutely glorious broad windows that have been restored and will be painted with the original paint samples and trim that is historic and true to the way the building was first completed back in 1866.
How is the building’s history going to be presented in this new phase of life?
Every room in the Hill Center has been named for an historic figure that has a connection either to the Hill Center or to Capitol Hill or to the Civil War. Our Benjamin Drummond Room, for example, is named for the very first patient in the hospital. Benjamin Drummond was a sailor who was in a POW camp for three years, who went back to war and had recurring wounds.
What is the cost of this renovation and who is paying?
The total capital cost of the renovation will be $10 million and we continue to be in the midst of a fundraising campaign but have had very generous support from the D.C. government, from the U.S. government, from individual donors, from businesses on Capitol Hill.
