Pentagon’s 17-year renovation completed

Remaking the 29-acre site is considered such a success in design circles that it has influenced other federal projects.

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A photo from the National Archives shows the edge of Pentagon construction in the foreground.

Robert A. Reeder / The Washington Post

A photo from the National Archives shows a general store on the site where the Pentagon now stands.

Robert A. Reeder / The Washington Post

Pentagon plans once included a tower in the center.

Robert A. Reeder / The Washington Post

In October 1941, work was underway on what was then called the War Department Building.

/ The Washington Post

An aerial photo from 1975.

/ AP

In a 1995 photo, Sgt. 1st Class Mitchell Young keeps tabs on communications links at his post in the Army Operations Center.

Keith Jenkins / TWP

The Pentagon suffered a direct terrorist hit on Sept. 11, 2001.

Will Morris / AP

Arlington County firefighters assess the scene at the Pentagon on Sept. 11.

Michael Lutzky / The Washington Post

The Pentagon was evacuated after a jetliner crashed into the building in 2001.

James A. Parcell / The Washington Post

A woman received a medical assessment after the 9/11 attack on the building.

James A. Parcell / The Washington Post

Marine Dan Pantaleo carries the Marine Corps flag retrieved from the fourth-floor Marine office. With Pantaleo are, from left, civilian firefighter Eric Jones, Army Staff Sgt. Chris Braman and Capt. Jared Hansbrough. They hand-delivered it to the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Michael Williams.

Michael Lutzky / The Washington Post

The site of the 9/11 attack, three days after 125 people were killed on the ground when a jetliner carrying 64 people crashed into the Pentagon.

Cedric H. Rudisill / AP

The Defense Department hosted a 9/11 remembrance service a month after the attack.

Rich Lipski / The Washington Post

Workers in October 2001 prepared support for the reconstruction site where the 9/11 attack occurred.

/ AP

Sgt. 1st Class Monica Morris comforted Rose Sato after a ceremony marking three months since 9/11.

Dayna Smith / The Washington Post

A pouring form is hoisted into place in early 2002 as reconstruction continues at the Pentagon.

Gerald Martineau / The Washington Post

Walker Lee Evey and Ronald Vermillion move the first piece of limestone facade into position for the damaged portion of the Pentagon.

Robert A. Reeder / The Washington Post

A crew of construction workers converges at the Pentagon in March 2002.

Michael Lutzky / The Washington Post

An aerial view from March 2002 shows how much of the Pentagon was affected by the 9/11 attack.

/ AP

Bobby Estppe's hard hat features a quote attributed to one of the 9/11 plane passengers who tried to fight the hijackers.

Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post

Construction workers Ken Hampton and Bobby Estppe in June 2002.

Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post

Reconstruction of the damaged outer facade required about 4,000 slabs of limestone.

Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post

Nine months after the 9/11 attack, a capsule was placed behind final piece of limestone on the Pentagon's western facade. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz watches Walker Lee Evey leave the memento.

James A. Parcell / The Washington Post

Col. Ted Anderson was hailed as a hero for his actions at the Pentagon on 9/11.

Michael Williamson / The Washington Post

The exterior of the Pentagon was repaired about a year after the 9/11 attack.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Col. Phil McNair, whose office was destroyed in the attack, prepares to move into the reconstructed space.

Michael Williamson / The Washington Post

President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld watch as a flag is unfurled at the Pentagon.

James A. Parcell / The Washington Post

Construction workers attend the rededication ceremony.

Michel du Cille / The Washington Post

Daniel Monte, who helped rebuild the Pentagon, was on hand for the rededication.

Susan Biddle / The Washington Post

In September 2003, workers continued to rebuild the Pentagon interior.

Frank Johnston / The Washington Post

Members of the border patrol air team make a demonstration flight above the Pentagon.

Dudley M. Brooks / The Washington Post

The Pentagon Memorial, which was dedicated in 2008, stands in tribute to those who died Sept. 11, 2001.

Matt McClain for The Washington Post

Renowned for its long ramps and multiple staircases, the Pentagon now has 70 passenger elevators.

Dayna Smith for The Washington Post

The Anzus Corridor in A-Ring of the Pentagon.

Dayna Smith for The Washington Post

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