First Lady Melania Trump dedicated the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., marking its official grand opening on April 28. ABC member Davis Construction served as the general contractor and donated preconstruction, project management and executive leadership services, In addition, Davis did not charge a construction fee to build the space. This gift was valued in excess of $200,000.

The 7,200-SF garden includes a fountain, trees, ambient lighting, benches and a multitude of plants overlooking the Capitol. Special care was taken to select plant materials that met infection control standards. The new space was built on a gravel rooftop which was not originally intended to hold the weight of a garden. As a result, the space required significant structural upgrades. Over 3,000 hours of steel welding and reinforcement took place directly above an existing 24-hour laboratory that services the entire Hospital. Temporary exhaust fans and carbon filters were used, along with other air quality and noise control measures, to eliminate smoke, odor, dust and noise. The outer perimeter of the garden, which faces the Capitol, is enclosed with a 7-FT high structural glass wall.

“Everyone involved wanted this project to exceed expectations. This was always about the children. We truly believe that the patient is our client, and we kept that front of mind throughout the entire project,” said Jon Hancher, Vice President of Davis Construction.