John Canning & Co. Wins Prestigious 2025 John Russell Pope Award for Landmark Restoration of Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art honors our stone and decorative paint work at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium with the 2025 John Russell Pope Award for Historic Preservation
Cheshire, CT – May 2025
John Canning & Co., a national leader in historic preservation, is honored to announce it has received the esteemed John Russell Pope Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) for the restoration of the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievement in classical architecture, design, craftsmanship, preservation, and traditional artistry.
The Mellon Auditorium, a masterpiece of Classical Revival architecture designed by Arthur Brown Jr. and is a cornerstone of the Federal Triangle. Arthur Brown Jr. was the architect for many historic and landmark buildings. Some of his other buildings we have had the privilege of working on include three of the San Francisco Civic Buildings, the San Francisco City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center as well as one of the other Federal Triangle buildings, the Department of Labor Building (aka the William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building.)
In 2022 for the Mellon Auditorium restoration, John Canning & Co. was brought in as the prime historic preservation subcontractor. The project, which focused on preserving the auditorium’s unique architectural and acoustical features, stands as a testament to the firm’s unparalleled expertise and dedication to historic preservation.
"This award is a profound recognition of our team’s unwavering commitment to preserving the Mellon Auditorium’s historic integrity," said David Riccio, President at John Canning & Co. "We are immensely proud to have played a role in revitalizing this iconic landmark, ensuring its beauty and historical significance endure for generations to come."
The restoration project presented unique challenges, particularly the preservation of the auditorium’s signature Sphinxstone columns and walls, crafted from crushed seashells to mimic limestone. John Canning & Co. skillfully employed modern materials and traditional techniques to restore the Sphinxstone’s original luster and acoustic properties.
The scope of work also included:
- Historic stone wall, column, and ceiling restoration: Mockups and color matching ensured seamless integration with the original architecture.
- Ceiling and entablature restoration: Comprehensive cleaning, repair, and restoration, including plaster repairs, decorative and general painting, and simulated stone finishes.
- Gilding and Plaster Repair: Restoring the original luster of the gilded relief carvings and meticulously repairing the ornamental plaster.
The Mellon Auditorium’s restoration has also garnered significant acclaim, receiving the 2024 District of Columbia Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for Design and Construction and the 2024 GSA Construction Awards Merit in Outstanding Subcontractor.
"The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium is more than just a building; it's a living piece of history," stated David Riccio, President. "Our work was driven by a deep respect for its legacy and a commitment to honoring Arthur Brown Jr.'s visionary design."
With nearly 50 years of experience, John Canning & Co. continues to set the standard for historic restoration, conservation, and preservation. The firm’s expertise in architectural gilding, decorative finishes, ornamental plaster restoration, historic stonework, and woodwork conservation ensures that architectural treasures like the Mellon Auditorium are preserved with the utmost care and authenticity.
The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a nonprofit membership organization that recognizes and promotes the preservation of historic architecture. The John Russell Pope Awards celebrate excellence in classical design and craftsmanship, recognizing projects that embody the highest standards of architectural preservation. The awards are named for John Russell Pope, 1874-1937, best known as the architect of the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Other important works include the National Archives Building, Constitution Hall, the Temple of the Scottish Rite, as well as numerous exemplary private homes.
About John Canning & Co.
John Canning & Co. is a nationally recognized leader in historic preservation, conservation, and restoration. With a legacy spanning nearly five decades, the firm specializes in architectural gilding, decorative finishes, ornamental plaster restoration, historic stonework, and woodwork conservation. Their commitment to craftsmanship and traditional techniques ensures the preservation of historic landmarks for future generations.
