Andrew Jackson was the first president to be inaugurated outdoors starting the tradition in 1829, which continues today. UBS has built the 10,000 sq. foot platform for the past four U.S. Presidential inaugurations. The inaugural platform takes three months to install and is built entirely of lumber to protect the surfaces of the Capitol. After the swearing in ceremony, the platform is carefully deconstructed and the lumber donated to local charities to assist in housing projects.