DHS Moves to Demolish Historic St. Elizabeths Buildings Citing Unacceptable Security Risks
The Department of Homeland Security is currently seeking to fast-track the demolition of more than a dozen historic buildings at its headquarters campus in Southeast Washington. Secretary Kristi L. Noem issued a formal memo to the General Services Administration on December 19 to initiate this process. The request focuses on vacant structures located at the St. Elizabeths West Campus which is a heavily fortified complex. Officials state that the current condition of these buildings represents an emergency that poses unacceptable risks to life and property. The memo asserts that demolition is the only permanent measure available to resolve these dangerous conditions. A recent risk assessment report claims that the vacant structures could be accessed by unauthorized individuals.
The agency report further explains that these buildings provide a tactical advantage for potential active shooter scenarios or small arms attacks. Security experts believe that the proximity of these deteriorating structures to active federal offices creates a significant vulnerability. Totaling seventeen buildings in the proposed plan four have already received prior approval for removal. The remaining thirteen buildings have not yet undergone a formal historic review for demolition. Among the structures slated for destruction is Burroughs Cottage which dates back to 1891. This specific cottage was originally built by a private family before being donated to the hospital in 1917. The entire 176-acre site is recognized as a National Historic Landmark which complicates the proposed rapid removal.
National preservation organizations have quickly voiced strong opposition to the emergency demolition plan. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the D.C. Preservation League sent a joint letter to federal officials on Sunday. These groups contend that the government has not provided sufficient evidence of a genuine emergency. They argue that the buildings have been vacant for many years and that any security lapses reflect a failure to properly secure the site. Preservationists are now requesting a detailed on-site assessment to determine if the buildings can be stabilized instead of destroyed. Under current redevelopment rules the federal government must provide a three-day window for such groups to respond to emergency notifications.
The General Services Administration notified the office of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser about the demolition proposal on the evening of December 23. This move comes as the Department of Homeland Security continues its long-term effort to consolidate its operations at the historic hospital site. The West Campus was first designated as excess property in 2001 before the federal government began a multi-billion dollar renovation. While many historic structures have been successfully repurposed for modern office use others have fallen into deep disrepair. Federal officials maintain that the cost and risk of maintaining these specific vacant buildings have become unsustainable. The final decision on the demolition will likely depend on the outcome of the current dispute with historic preservation advocates.
