Plans for Revamping Old Naval Hospital Are Back on Hold

by Mark Segraves, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Millions of dollars of repairs to a historical landmark at the center of Capitol Hill are on hold again.

WTOP Radio has learned that Mayor Tony Williams has rejected the two proposals to revamp the Old Naval Hospital.

Plans for the building at 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, have been on the table for more than two years.

As early as next week, Williams will begin the Request for Proposal process again.

While the city waits for groups to submit new ideas, $6 million the city budgeted for the repairs won't be spent. The repairs, estimated to be between $6 million to $10 million, will remain on hold until the new RFP process is completed.

In 2003 the city began the current RFP process seeking groups interested in repairing and occupying the deteriorating 1867 structure.

Two groups submitted proposals:

The Art of Living Foundation, led by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, wanted to turn the site into a wellness center. The foundation has similar centers in 90 different countries including the U.S.

The Old Naval Hospital Foundation planned to use the building as a library and community center. Congress earmarked $2.2 million for ONH over the past two years. But ONH spokesman Steve Cymrot tells WTOP the group may have to return the money. Cymrot hopes the building will end up having a community use.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Kenan Jarboe says he's concerned that the news is a momentum killer. Jarboe says in the past the hospital has been a low priority for the city.

A spokesperson for the mayor says the city is committed to a community use for the building and promises the new RFP process won't take nearly as long as the last one did.

The building is currently used for ANC meetings.

(Copyright 2005 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)