Architecture and Government
At the nation’s founding, the federal government began planning for public buildings that would serve both functional and ceremonial purposes. Classically inspired architecture became a symbol of the democratic ideals of the newly formed government.
Created in 1949, GSA is the proud steward of more than 480 historic buildings constructed between the early nineteenth and mid twentieth centuries. Discover how federal building design has evolved through history and responded to changes in technology, society, and architectural thought.
Architecture and Government: An American Partnership
A Timeline of Architecture and Government
Border Inspection Stations: 1931 – 1943
Federal Modernism: GSA Buildings of the 1950s, 60s and 70s
Extending the Legacy: GSA Historic Building Stewardship
GSA’s historic preservation program provides national leadership for compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and other historic building stewardship directives. The agency is committed to reinvesting in the country’s landmarks so that they may continue to serve the American people.
Recent successes include:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum project at the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in San Antonio, Texas
First target site net zero energy project at the Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Grand Junction, Colorado
It reports on the progress its programs make; released every three years, Extending the Legacy is a comprehensive report that examines sustainable preservation initiatives, technical innovations, and stewardship challenges.
PRESERVE AMERICA
GSA is proud to be a partner in this initiative to strengthen government-wide preservation efforts, enhance and use historic properties for the benefit of the public, including heritage tourism.
Visit GSA's Preserve America page for details on how GSA programs fulfill the initiative's efforts.
For information on how the entire federal government is making a difference, visit preserveamerica.gov.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Lists the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. GSA owns/maintains over 300 properties on the list, and is actively working to nominate approximately 140 additional eligible properties.