Grant Building TAP

The Grant Building is a historic asset that is over 100 years old and co-located on the campus of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH). It is one of the largest federal buildings in Washington, D.C. at 169,000 square feet, and is designed in the Renaissance Revival style with an impressive facade and interior. However, years of neglect, water damage, and decay have caused the Grant Building to fall into ruin, and it is now a significant financial liability and facing high redevelopment costs.

The Grant Building forms a key element of the cultural landscape within the AFRH Zone, and sits across from President Lincoln’s Cottage, a historically preserved house where Lincoln spent time during the summers in Washington, D.C. A Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) was convened to assess options for the Grant Building’s future, taking into account its history, location, the veterans at AFRH, and the surrounding community. At the conclusion of the two-day TAP, the Panel offered AFRH and its stakeholders several futures for Grant Building.

The first option was to stabilize the Building to mitigate the existing water damage, effectively “mothballing” the Building in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards. A second option was to raze the Building and consider new construction in its place. The third – and recommended – option was to rehabilitate the Grant Building and create affordable housing targeted toward veterans. This recommended option aligns with AFRH’s mission of caring for aging veterans and offers the opportunity for community space accessible to AFRH residents, President Lincoln’s Cottage, and the surrounding community.