Smithsonian Holds On to Arts and Industries Building

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Smithsonian Institution has decided not to outsource the renovation of the 127-year-old Arts and Industries Building, one of the institution's oldest on the National Mall, the Associated Press reports. Eleven proposals were submitted by outside groups, variously suggesting the use of the building as a food court, restaurant, exhibit space, visitor center, and public auditorium, but the Smithsonian has decided to keep the building under its own control, citing it as a possible future home for the proposed National Museum of the American Latino.

While the Smithsonian is not directly responsible for the creation of the Latino museum, Congress has recently called for a presidential commission to conduct a two-year study on the feasibility of such a project. "It's probably the only spot on the mall that is a possibility...We need to keep the option open," said Roger Sant, the chairman of the Smithsonian's board. He also noted that the board wanted to include incoming Secretary G. Wayne Clough, who begins July 1, in any decisions.

The Arts and Industries building was first used in 1881 for President James Garfield's inaugural ball. It was closed in 2004 because of a crumbling ceiling.