Tour 7: Federal Preservation Case Study: Rehabilitation and Reuse of the Historic Old Post Office Building
Tour leaders: Nancy Witherell, General Services Administration and Kirsten Brinker Kulis, GSA liaison, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Participants will tour portions of the Old Post Office Building, built in 1899. The building served as the main city and federal post office until 1914. For most of the twentieth century, it seemed that the massive Romanesque Revival structure was destined to be demolished, but through the efforts of dedicated preservationists it has become one of Washington's favorite landmarks. While the building is notable for many reasons, the most remarkable feature inside is the nine-story light court topped by an enormous skylight that floods the interior with natural light. When it was built, the room was the largest, uninterrupted interior space in Washington. Under the National Historic Preservation Act and associated legislation, GSA is leasing the property to the Trump Organization for rehabilitation and reuse into a luxury hotel.
Attendees must enter the building on Pennsylvania Avenue, present a valid photo ID, and go through security at this federal building.
Limit 15 people. $10 members, $15 nonmembers