GSA Renames Federal Building Honoring Virginia Smith’s Legacy

Remembering Nebraska’s first woman elected to the U.S. House

Nebraska’s Third District Representative Adrian Smith speaks at the Virginia Smith Federal Building on July 31, 2025, in North Platte, Nebraska.

NORTH PLATTE, (NEBRASKA) — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the official designation of the federal building at 300 E. 3rd Street: the Virginia Smith Federal Building. The renaming commemorates the state’s first woman elected to the U.S. House, and marks a significant milestone in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, celebrating Smith’s dedication to public service and her community.

“Designating this building is more than a symbolic gesture, it’s about recognizing the profound impact dedicated public servants like Congresswoman Smith had on Nebraska and the nation,” said Jeff Smith, Acting Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner for GSA’s Heartland Region. “Her legacy and commitment to policy and development now stand as inspiration for future generations to follow.”

Virginia Smith was a pioneering congresswoman who represented 79% of Nebraska’s land area. She became a powerful voice for her constituents in agricultural policy and rural development, serving on the House Appropriations Committee from 1977 until her retirement in 1991.

GSA is committed to connecting our national buildings to public servants who have shaped our country beyond physical spaces.

The Virginia Smith Federal Building will serve as a permanent reminder of Smith’s distinguished career and lasting contributions to Nebraska and the United States.

The announcement follows a renaming ceremony honoring Smith’s life held July 31, 2025. The building signage features cast aluminum letters matching the building’s original design: 8 inches tall, 1-3/4 inches deep, stud-mounted, with a brush-finished horizontal grain.

For more information, visit: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-6-heartland/buildings-and-facilities/nebraska/virginia-smith-federal-building

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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.