In August 2002, PBS Commissioner F. Joseph Moravec, issued a policy paper entitled Integration of a Federal Legacy Vision with GSA’s Portfolio Strategy for Restructuring and Reinvesting in the Owned-Inventory. The policy integrates GSA’s stewardship strategy, that calls for putting historic buildings first, with agency portfolio management initiatives for financially sound and sustainable management of the agency’s Federal workspace inventory.
The goal of the Legacy Vision is to position the government’s finest buildings to be the strongest financial performers possible. For all under performing historic buildings, the strategy requires GSA to take a second look and make every effort to make them financially viable. Specific financial turn around measures include undertaking necessary repairs and improvements to eliminate vacant space, relocating tenants from leased space or non-historic Federal buildings to historic Federal buildings, increasing rent rates to better reflect operating and repair costs, and supplementing Federal tenants with non-Federal or outlease tenants.
The policy also recognizes that given the constraints on capital, strategic use of limited funds requires GSA to make choices that will benefit some properties more than others. Not all buildings warrant the same amount of investment and stewardship effort. Legacy buildings, designed to serve a symbolic and ceremonial, as well as functional, purpose for the government, will have high priority.
The policy has already had an impact on several historic facilities. The National Historic Landmark U.S. Customhouse in New Orleans, LA, is being renovated to provide additional office space. Accessibility upgrades are being performed in the U.S. Customhouse in Portland, ME, to ensure continued occupancy. GSA has identified tenants for the Federal Building in Minneapolis, MN, to backfill vacant space.
For more information, contact Ms. Kristi M. Tunstall at (202) 219-0343 or via e-mail at kristi.tunstall@gsa.gov
