Prior to creating Building Knowledge, Andrea Mones established and served as Historic Preservation and Fine Arts Officer for the Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration, in Washington, D.C. For the development of a mixed use project and the conservation of Miss Clara Barton’s apartment, Andrea acted as the Project Manager and architectural conservator. A city block parcel in downtown Washington, D.C. included a 9000 s.f. commercial building dating to 1855 as well as nine other historic buildings. The 4050 s.f. Civil War apartment of Miss Clara Barton was discovered within 437-441 7th Street, N.W. during pre-sale due diligence.

The apartment was mothballed while the parcel was sold for construction of 450 units of housing and 50,000 s.f. of retail and arts, including a new theater and its school. Project Management responsibilities included developer selection and sale negotiation, collaboration with the developer’s design and construction teams, creation of a museum, selection of architectural conservators, and collaboration with the museum team for its conservation. Miss Barton’s apartment is now under conservation to retain all original finishes, as no changes had occurred since her occupancy. The museum will focus on teaching children how one person can make a difference. Expected opening is 2008.