A commission would be created under a bipartisan bill sponsored on May 14 by U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) to study potential uses for the Arts and Industries Building, which is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“I look forward to taking a step towards preserving the building’s historic character while creating new opportunities for public engagement and education,” said Rep. Carey, who introduced the No Wasted Space Act, H.R. 8810, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA).
The bill would help determine new uses for a building that currently serves as a temporary space for limited events, concerts, and meetings.
“Historic buildings in Washington, D.C., should not sit vacant when there is potential for them to serve the public once again,” Rep. Carey added. “As the second-oldest Smithsonian building, the Arts and Industries Building has long been a part of our National Mall, and it deserves to be utilized to its full potential in the years ahead.”
H.R. 8810 would establish a commission composed of nine voting members appointed by the U.S. Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives, and House minority leader.
Under the bill, each would appoint two voting members that have relevant experience and interests, while the Smithsonian Board of Regents would appoint one voting member who may not be a sitting member of the House, Senate, or Supreme Court.
The commission would be required to produce a report that must include successful educational institutions serving visiting families, museums, and cultural institutions not on the National Mall, non-Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., tenants affected by federal office moves, and the cost of converting the Arts and Industries Building into a modern museum, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Carey’s office.
“One hundred fifty years ago, Congress dedicated the proceeds of the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, America’s first World’s Fair, to help build a national museum in Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Boyle. “Today, that building, the Arts and Industries Building, sits underused and neglected.
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are taking action to restore this historic building and put it to use for the benefit of every American,” he said.