Smithsonian Seeks Partner to Run Its Second-Oldest Building

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Smithsonian Institution on Thursday issued a request for an outside group to renovate and operate one of its oldest buildings on the National Mall, saying the museum complex lacked the necessary money from Congress.

The 126-year-old Arts and Industries Building, located next to the original Smithsonian Castle, closed in January 2004 because its crumbling ceiling was deemed unsafe for visitors and staff.

Upgrading the basic shell of the structure, its windows, roof, air and fire systems, would likely cost about $65 million, according to the latest estimates.

"We've never had a building on the mall that we didn't have the money to renovate," said Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas.

Smithsonian leaders are "looking for good ideas and concepts that are in keeping with the Smithsonian's mission," St. Thomas said. "They're also looking for organizations with a lot of money."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has pressed the Smithsonian to reopen the building to the public as quickly as possible - even as the museum complex faces a $2.5 billion maintenance backlog. In a Sept. 11, 2007, letter to the Smithsonian board, Feinstein wrote the backlog "must be addressed creatively with both public and private funding."

The red brick structure originally was built to expand the Smithsonian's space for exhibitions, including collections from the nation's 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. It was first used in 1881 for President James Garfield's inaugural ball.

The name "National Museum" remains carved over the front doors.

The building was restored to its Victorian appearance for the nation's Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Before it closed, the building housed temporary exhibits.

The site was considered for the future home of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, but organizers ultimately decided to build on an empty lot.

Smithsonian Acting Secretary Cristian Samper has said he likes the idea of creating a visitor center at the site. But the "Request for Qualifications" on the project states only that the Smithsonian is looking for a partner whose vision is compatible with its educational and cultural mission.

Any proposal would have to be approved by the Smithsonian Board of Regents, which includes members of Congress.

National Mall watchdogs have been closely following the unique offer for such a prominent piece of real estate near the Capitol.

"If it just becomes another museum and shuts down at night, we're losing a major opportunity," said Judy Scott Feldman, president of the National Coalition to Save Our Mall, who advocates for an orientation center for all the mall's activities. "We hope the Smithsonian will think beyond its own mandate to think 'What does the nation need in this great space?"

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)