In a controversial move, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pushing for the rapid demolition of more than a dozen historic buildings in Washington, D.C., labelling the situation a security 'emergency'. This action follows a pattern of bypassing standard preservation reviews, reminiscent of the recent removal of the White House's East Wing.
The Demolition Request and Security Justification
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem sent a memo to the General Services Administration (GSA) requesting that 13 buildings, not originally planned for destruction, be torn down on the DHS campus. This campus is the former west campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital, a historic mental institution founded in 1855.
Noem's memo argues the vacant structures 'constitute a present risk to life and property'. An attached DHS report warns they 'may be accessed by unauthorized individuals' and 'provide a tactical advantage for carrying out small arms or active shooter scenarios'. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated demolition is 'the only permanent corrective action' to eliminate these security blind spots.
Historic Buildings on the Chopping Block
A map obtained by the Daily Mail shows 17 structures are slated for demolition, with four already approved. The 13 newly targeted buildings include significant historical sites. Among them is the 'Burroughs Cottage', completed in 1881 for a wealthy patient. The Allison buildings (constructed 1899), which housed disabled veterans, and the Linden and Holly wards (built 1893), for white female epileptics, are also listed.
Other structures include the East Lodge—used for African-American female patients—the staff house, staff residence, creamery, and historic greenhouses. Many of these brick buildings were featured in the film A Few Good Men.
Fierce Opposition from Preservation Groups
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the D.C. Preservation League have issued 'strong objections'. In a letter, they argue no new 'emergency' exists, noting the buildings sit behind a 'double security perimeter'. They contend the poor condition of the buildings results from 'federal agency neglect' and that DHS should first reassess its security fencing.
The groups have urged the D.C. State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to intervene. These bodies have until Wednesday, December 31, to act, though as of Tuesday afternoon, no action had been reported. The DHS has not disclosed a potential start date for the demolitions.
