CAO Designs, Crafts Drapes for Capitol’s West Front and Inauguration
The Inaugural platform will feature patriotic drapes crafted exclusively in house by the employees of the Chief Administrative Officer.
“Many people will be surprised to know how much goes on in the background,” CAO Dan Beard said. “We’re thrilled to contribute to this historic event.”
Drapery and upholstery shop employees will be hanging the fabric and installing the eco-friendly carpet on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.
Eighty individual swags, cascades and pleated panels made from 1,500 yards of water-resistant, red, white and blue fabric came together to make the platform’s bunting. All of the material will be reused for the next Inaugural ceremony.
The ceremony will also feature environmentally-friendly carpet runners that will extend from the bottom of the Rotunda steps to the West Front podium.
The 100 percent recyclable carpet, featuring a blue center and red borders, was ironed by hand by CAO employees and finished with a stitched red binding. The Presidential platform will be covered with a solid royal blue carpet. The platform and the runner will extend some 725 square yards.
“Using green carpeting is a way we can demonstrate our commitment to doing business in an environmentally-friendly way,” Beard said, noting that the Green the Capitol program is in its second phase.
Beard will walk on the environmentally-friendly carpet on Inauguration day, as he will be the first person to come out of the West Front doors during the ceremony.
For more information contact:
Jeff Ventura
Director of Communications
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
Jeff.Ventura@mail.house.gov
202-226-5680
202-360-0450 (BlackBerry)
