Those working at Interior headquarters today consider the venerable structure a fine example of 1930s architecture — and a fitting recipient for changes underway to accommodate 21st century office space.

But some 70 years ago, those who planned and constructed the building envisioned it as a modern wonder with all the conveniences and technologies to make federal government more efficient.

Indeed, the building was part of a series of reforms Interior Secretary Harold Ickes implemented to change how employees work and serve the public. Speaking at the building dedication on April 16, 1936, Ickes said, “This new building represents much more to us than merely better and more desirable office space; it means something besides relieving the overcrowded conditions in our present building; it is to us a symbol of a new day. …”

The main Interior building was designed and built between 1934 and 1937 to consolidate most of Interior’s Washington, D.C., office space. The department had outgrown its building at 19th and E streets and was renting additional space in other buildings. After evaluating various building sites, a parcel between E and D streets was chosen south of the existing building for practical and symbolic reasons. The parcel allowed enough ground space for the expansive building and was close to the White House and the National Mall. This latter construction appealed to Ickes because he believed it would reinforce department’s importance by its size and proximity to the president.

Ickes chose Washington, D.C., architect Waddy B. Wood to design the new building. When Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau objected to the arrangement, the two compromised by naming Wood consulting architect for the project under the Treasury Department’s Procurement Division. Wood bristled over his title of consulting architect, but it was an apt moniker: Ickes was the driver behind every facet of the building’s design.

Ickes had three watchwords for the design of the building – utility, economy, and comfort. The last term, comfort, may have been chief among his concerns. Believing a healthy, happy workforce was most productive, he made sure the building advanced this credo. He insisted on central air conditioning – a first among large governmental complexes. He also ensured the building had large corridors to accommodate the movement of employees at peak periods of time. In addition, he included an employee lounge (now known as the South Penthouse); a gymnasium; and a cafeteria.

Ickes sought out new ideas and technologies for utility and economy, including innovations in facility systems to reduce operating costs. As Ickes reported to President Roosevelt, the building not only cost less to construct than other government offices it also cost 15 percent less to maintain – even with air conditioning.

Although Ickes maintained a focus of utility and economy, he did not intend the building to be unadorned. He set aside 1 percent of the construction budget – $127,000 Depression-era dollars – for art. From Heinz Warneke’s bas relief commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition to William Gropper’s mural depicting the construction of a dam, the art symbolized the work of Interior employees in the progress of the nation.

It also demonstrated pluralistic perspectives of American life. The “Construction of a Dam” mural featured an integrated work crew. And murals by Millard Sheets, which the department installed after the building opened, celebrated the contributions of African Americans.

Ickes also included works by American Indians, including murals by Allan Houser, Woodrow Crumbo, Gerald Nailor and others. These murals are among the building’s most significant art.  The National Museum of the American Indian notes Houser’s murals as among the best works in Washington, D.C.

Ickes’ interest in Native American arts and crafts led to the creation of a unique aspect of the main Interior building, the Indian Craft Shop. The shop opened shortly after the Indian Arts and Crafts Board was established as an outlet for American Indian artists to market their crafts. It has been representing quality and authenticity in American Indian arts and crafts since 1938. Today, the shop is nationally known for American Indian arts and crafts that represent more than 45 tribal groups within the United States.

In addition, Ickes was instrumental in establishing Interior’s museum and library. The museum, which opened on the department’s 89th anniversary, explained the work of the department by dedicating each gallery to the history and work of a bureau. A team of National Park Service museum curators and technicians designed the exhibitions. An immediate success with the public, the museum received among the highest visitations of any Washington museum in the 1930s and 1940s. Because of its popularity, it was one of the few museums allowed to maintain evening hours during World War II.

The museum continues to explore the history and work of the department. It also retains a flavor of its original designs and exhibitions. A 1997 departmental task force recommended that the museum interpret broader themes, so today it explores themes that unite the work of the department across bureaus. It also displays dioramas that date from the opening of the museum. These dioramas are popular among visitors and have recently undergone a major conservation treatment program.

While the museum interprets Interior’s history and work, the library serves as its collective memory and a repository of information. Its stately reading room maintains a historic presence and serves as a state-of-the-art research facility. From rare books to full-text electronic libraries of documents, the library maintains the most complete collection of departmental publications. Over the past few years, the library has added another way to search its holdings through its homepage at http://library.doi.gov/.

Today, the main Interior building itself is undergoing modernization. As this project moves from north to south, Ickes’ watchwords of economy, utility and comfort once again guide construction. As before, new technologies and innovations are driving these changes. The department is introducing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in the newly renovated wings. Through its use of products with low-volatile organic compounds, including paint and sealants, carpets, and adhesives, it is enhancing indoor air quality. It is also installing special conduits to better serve information-technology needs and placing kitchens in every wing to provide more comforts to employees. In addition, the department is adding individual fan coils in each office, a design that saves energy and allows occupants to regulate room temperature. It is also installing low-mercury florescent light tubes throughout the renovated space. And in individual offices, a pendent light will provide the occupant with the choice of direct or indirect lighting, depending on the requirements of the task.

In the 1930s, the main Interior building was one of the most innovative structures of its time. It was, as Ickes said, “a symbol of a new day." Today, using the latest innovations and technologies, renovations will ensure Ickes’ watchwords – and the designation of modern office building – apply to the main Interior building in the 21st century.

Related Links:

Native American Murals in the main Interior building's south penthouse.