A massive new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security is more than $1.5 billion over budget, 11 years behind schedule, and may never be completed.
When it was first proposed, the development was said to be critical for national security and the revitalization of Southeast Washington. The project on the grounds of the former St. Elizabeth’s Hospital would centralize the department’s operations. More than 50 historic buildings would be renovated and new ones erected.
Under the original plan, the complex was scheduled to be finished as early as this year for less than $3 billion. But only a Coast Guard building has been completed, with the rest of the grounds remaining undeveloped. The budget has inflated to $4.5 billion, with completion pushed back to 2026.
Neither Congressional Republicans nor Democrats have given the project much support, and the Obama Administration hasn’t made the project a priority, the Washington Post reported.
A revised administration plan with anticipated completion in 2026 was given to Congress last year, requiring about $280 million a year. It got only $190 million in 2014.
Related Stories
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
ASHRAE grants fund human thermal comfort database project
Aim is to help better understand thermal comfort in residential and commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
OSHA finalizes new silica dust regulations
Construction industry has until June 2017 to comply.
Wood | Mar 23, 2016
APA updates Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Provides recommendations on engineered wood construction systems.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2016
Affordable housing advocates differ on micro-apartment policy
New York’s luxury micro units could be first step to developing affordable units.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2016
GRESB launches Health and Well-being Module for real estate industry
Optional supplement to environmental, social, and governance assessment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2016
U.S. Supreme Court lets San Jose affordable housing law stand
Law attempts to alleviate Silicon Valley’s high housing costs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 2, 2016
WELL standard offers multiple benefits for owners, says real estate executive
Could be a recruiting tool for occupant companies.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 1, 2016
China bans ‘weird’ public architecture, gated communities
Directs designers of public buildings to focus on functionality.
Energy Efficiency | Feb 23, 2016
Economists, energy efficiency practitioners need to work together for better cost/benefit studies
Flawed energy efficiency research yields misleading, confusing results.
