Tompkins Builders Constructs Presidential Inaugural Stands

WASHINGTON, DC-When the hoopla is over and the grounds are cleared, history may never acknowledge Tompkins Builders’ contribution to the making of two Presidents. Perhaps a footnote in an architect’s textbook or a paid-in-full ledger annotation in the nation’s archives will name the local contractor as the organization that constructed the stands and appurtenances for the 2001 Presidential Inauguration at the west front of the United States Capitol. The firm also built the stands in 1997 and 1993.

The stands will be used for the official swearing-in ceremony of President-Elect George W. Bush on Saturday Jan. 20. According to company officials, the project calls for the construction of the presidential stands, congressional stands, diplomat and guest stands, band and choir stands, and V.I.P. stands. The project team, which includes Ron Lee, construction executive; William Agosti, project manager; John Bell, superintendent; and Walter Otterstetter, project engineer, is also responsible for the demolition of the stands, scheduled to start shortly after the inauguration ceremony. Construction costs were undisclosed at press time. The construction services are performed on behalf of the Architect of the Capitol.