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been awarded for Monkey Island, and construction bids are to be solicited in April. Conceptual planning of the Aquatic Vertebrates Exhibit is complete, and preliminary design has begun. Renovation of the Reptile House is 75% complete, and the Small Mammal House is 20% complete; completion is expected in February and October, respectively.

[[underlined]] Smithsonian Institution Building [[/underlined]]

Conceptual planning is complete for the project to provide access for the disabled via a wheelchair lift beside the north entrance of the Smithsonian Castle. The architect is assembling materials specifications, and drawings for review by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Repairs to the north porte cochere are scheduled for completion by mid-January.

[[underlined]] Sensory Garden [[/underlined]]

A construction contract was awarded for the new Sensory Garden ($345,000 trust funds, including a donation from the Smithsonian Women's Committee) and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 6, 1980. Construction is in progress between the Arts and Industries Building and the Hirshhorn Museum and between Independence Avenue and Jefferson Drive. The Garden has been designed with particular attention to the needs of vision-impaired persons by providing special appeal to the senses of touch, smell and sound. Brick paving and walls will facilitate movement throughout the Garden, and braille plaques will identify plantings chosen especially for their scents. A fountain will enhance the Garden setting by offering the added experience of running water. The graceful grading