GSA Blog

2019 Preservation Month

As we close out the celebration of 2019’s Preservation Month at GSA on May 31st, it is also fitting to reflect on our agency’s history as we approach our 70-year milestone.

When GSA was established in 1949, we received an inventory of America’s finest buildings constructed by the Office of the Supervising Architect of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These iconic federal buildings have long symbolized the strength, permanence and democratic aspirations of our country and its people. Several of these buildings and military complexes vacated after World War II have since taken on new purpose as they were adaptively reused for critically needed office space.

With each passing year, a growing number of GSA buildings are being recognized for their historic, architectural and cultural significance. Today, GSA owns 504 historic buildings listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. To keep these national treasures performing for a 21st-century workforce, GSA must balance stewardship mandates with fiscal responsibilities. To learn how we’re doing this, and to see an example of a historic building turned high-performing building, look at the modernization of the Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse.

Historic buildings in GSA’s inventory have served our country well. GSA is proud to have contributed to this legacy over the last 70 years and will continue to do so. Through smart asset management, we deliver savings to the taxpayer and ensure these national treasures maintain their venerable presence in communities throughout the nation. We encourage the enthusiasm and awareness that Preservation Month fosters. At GSA, preservation is a year-round activity and delivering value and savings in real estate is a critical component of our mission.