Viewing page 51 of 73

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-50-

for other purposes until funds for restoration and full utilization were available. The Pension Building was then assigned to the District of Columbia Courts as temporary quarters until new court facilities could be constructed.

On March 8, 1976 the General Services Administration advised the Smithsonian that new court facilities were scheduled for completion in the spring of 1978 and that we would be asked to program the transfer of the Pension Building to the Smithsonian at an appropriate time.

The Pension Building would present some unusual challenges and opportunities for not only the site for a proposed museum of the building arts (the history of architecture and construction) but also could provide some very essential office space as well. It is not suitable in size or design for use as a museum support facility.

The Government of the District of Columbia reports that the Pension Building is in good working condition. The Smithsonian will conduct an in-house facility survey to determine the probable use, scope and cost of restoration, renovation and operation of the building.

The results of these preliminary inquiries will be available this fall and should be helpful in scheduling follow-up planning activities.