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Kristi Noem's plan to demolish historic buildings hits major obstacle: report
- DHS plans to demolish historic St. Elizabeths buildings face a major obstacle as new documents dispute the demolition rationale.
- Engineers say the vacant structures are generally in stable condition and viable for stabilization and future adaptive reuse.
- GSA counters the contractor's findings, citing security-driven reasons for demolition amid DHS headquarters renovations.
- Opponents argue DHS never raised security concerns publicly to justify demolishing the historic wards and facilities.
- The historic buildings date to the late 1800s and formerly housed hospital wards, kitchens and a bakery.
- GSA disputes the assessment and emphasizes security-driven rationale for demolition of the campus.
- Noem argues demolitions are needed to prevent malicious insiders from using the site for attacks.
- The DHS initiative is part of a broader transformation of the St. Elizabeths campus into its headquarters.
- The dispute centers on whether preserving historic structures is preferable to demolition for security.
- The article notes contrasting conclusions from an infrastructure contractor and DHS officials about the structures' condition.
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