Historic Preservation Program (Region 2)

Photo of Robert C. McEwen Federal Building, Ogdensburg, NY

GSA’s real estate inventory consists of numerous historic buildings that are significant due to their financial performance and architectural contributions to the federal presence.  The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 calls for federal agencies to identify, and facilitate initiatives that foster stewardship and portfolio planning with respect to the use of historic federal buildings.

The Northeast and Caribbean Region is home to many significant historic buildings including the oldest operating federal building in the nation, the  Robert C. McEwen U.S. Custom House in Ogdensburg, NY, as well as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House; a National Historic Landmark in New York City. In addition, the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in New York City and the  Jose V. Toledo U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Puerto Rico and the Conrad Duberstein U.S. Courthouse and USPS in Brooklyn, NY  are  all on the National Register of Historic Places. GSA also manages historic border stations in New York State. The region also recognizes their mid-century modern properties, such as the Jacob Javits Federal Building and James Watson Court of International Trade, as eligible properties to the National Register and tomorrow’s landmarks.  All of these historic buildings, which represent many periods and styles, enrich our sense of community and give solidity to the federal government within the region.

GSA’s Northeast and Caribbean Region Historic Preservation Office is committed to providing customers with excellent service relating to all aspects of design excellence, good neighbor, and special-use outleasing. The office is most effective when involved in all stages of planning, design and construction. Services include:

• guidance on all aspects of portfolio planning, building renovation and preservation;
• implementation of compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act; and
• technical architectural expertise relating to building renovation, historic fine art, and conservation best practices.

Ensuring the heritage of the nation’s historic properties for future generations is paramount to GSA. Therefore, GSA provides technical and strategic expertise to promote the viability, reuse, and care of historic buildings that GSA owns and leases.