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[[underline]] Astrophysical Observatory [[/underline]]

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory depends entirely upon rental space for its activities in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In FY 1979 these rentals will total about $700,000 and can be expected to increase over this planning period. An observatory-owned facility at Cambridge could offset long-term escalating rental costs, and provide additional benefits of consolidation of locations and increased space. The feasibility of constructing a building will be explored with Harvard University. 

Further development of facilities at the Mt. Hopkins Observatory is required to support expanded research activities due to the installation of the Multiple Mirror Telescope. Construction of the day/sleeper dormitory will be completed in December 1979, and construction of the dining/common building ($330,000) is expected to begin in May of 1980, along with implementation of a plan to convert the single-lane unpaved access road into a safe in-sloped, all-weather road ($150,000). 

In addition, funds will be requested over the next five years to relocate Mt Hopkins' administrative and support activities from leased space (which will no longer be available to the Observatory after 1982) to Forest Service land, and for additional paving and maintenance of access roads. Requirements for these facilities include administrative space for about twenty persons, a library/conference center, luncheon facilities, and an electronics laboratory and documentation room; a vehicle maintenance center for automobiles and heavy equipment; a storage and shipping and receiving building; a visitor reception and small exhibition facility; and a paved access road from Amado to the base support site (about nine miles). These and other minor improvements are estimated to cost approximately $3,600,000 between FY 1981 and 1985. 

[[underline]] Future Development [[/underline]]

[[underline]] Trade (Tariff) Commission Building [[/underline]]

The necessity for additional space to support the collections and other programs of the Fine Arts and Portrait Galleries (FAPG) could provide a unique opportunity for further development of a center of American art if the old Tariff Commission Building (across F Street from FAPG) can be restored and transferred to the Institution. The prospects of this opportunity to preserve a historic and architecturally significant building and devote it to public purposes is long range, and depends on the General Services Administration's ability to identify appropriate and acceptable new space for the U.S. International Trade Commission. Restoration of the Trade Building could cost as much as $15,000,000. Estimates of one-time initial occupancy costs and of operating costs are