This morning was the groundbreaking for the new consolidated headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard at the West Campus of St. Elizabeths in Ward 8. In attendance were Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Senator Liberman, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, Mayor Adrian Fenty, Councilman Barry, and GSA Administrator Paul F. Prouty.
It was raining, but the boarded-up campus was alive with U.S.-manufactured government vehicles and the excitement that this. is. finally. being. built!
local and federal leadership breaks ground on Homeland Security campus
Senator Joseph Lieberman, I - Connecticut
Napolitano and Norton talk with the news media
Overall it was a great event. All the public officials spoke at the podium, each highlighting different benefits and challenges associated with bringing the mega-project to Ward 8:
- Lieberman connected DHS' history with that of the Roosevelt's Pentagon, and noted that this is the largest building project (aside from Eisenhower's highways, I assume) since the Pentagon.
- Napolitano was excited to have a consolidated headquarters - and expressed gratitude for how much simpler holding meetings and bringing connectivity and community to the Department will be.
- CM Barry highlighted the project's importance to Ward 8 and the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the new HQ. He called attention to the hardships associated with living and working in Ward 8, but, citing Psalm 30:5, said that "We could go on and on about the weeping. But this is the morning for Ward 8."
the first building - Coast Guard - viewed from the River
Exciting times. Ward 8 is on the rise.
I look fwd to whats to come
ReplyDeleteIs that a green roof? If it is, I have to say I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo excited to live only a stones throw away from this project. I love ward 8 and all that it has to offer. I need to apply for a job their so I can walk to work.
ReplyDeleteWow,even a cleansing rain could dampen spirits this morning on the St. E's west campus.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine anyone who wants to work in this area for the next 5 years is going to have to work real hard to not find an opportunity.
I used to scoff at government spending on infrastructure and mixed use space, but I have become a believer that it does make a huge positive impact on communities in regards to jobs, increased tax revenues etc.
J
Are they incorporating all DHS agencies into this building?
ReplyDelete@ Dirk
ReplyDeleteIf I remember right, there will be an entire complex of buildings across the campus that will house most (if not all) of DHS operations and agencies in the capital area. This first one is just for the Coast Guard.
Does anyone know how long the project is expected to take?
ReplyDeleteThis looks Great. I've been waiting for a long time
ReplyDelete