Chapter 13. John A. Wilson Building.

Subchapter I. John A. Wilson Building Designation.

§ 10–1301. John A. Wilson Building designated.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 8 of this title, or any other law, the building and all property located in Square 255, located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., popularly referred to as the “District Building” (“Property”), is hereby designated under the exclusive authority of the Council to determine the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property.

(b)(1) The Secretary of the Council shall be responsible for the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property, in accordance with rules of the Council.

(2) The Secretary of the Council is authorized to:

(A) Enter into intra-District transfer and other agreements with agencies of the District government to provide goods or services for the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property;

(B) Enter into contracts or other agreements with private entities to provide goods or services for the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property;

(C) Enter into lease or other agreements, with or without monetary consideration, with entities of the District government and with private entities for the use of space within the Property; and

(D) Enter into lease or other agreements, with or without monetary consideration, with entities of the District government and with private entities for establishing healthy food retail opportunities within the Property.

(3) In the execution of paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection, preference should be given to those entities occupying space within the Property on November 25, 1993, those entities whose location within the Property would result in a cost savings to the District government, and those entities providing goods or services that are beneficial to the local community.

(4) Any rent, fee, or proceeds derived from any lease or other use agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall be paid to the Treasury of the District of Columbia, and accounted for in the General Fund as a separate revenue source allocable to provide authority for the Council to expend funds for the management of these leases or other use agreements, and for the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property.

(5) The Secretary of the Council shall be the exclusive authority for the issuance of permits for official parking spaces on the following streets adjacent to or near the Property:

(A) The south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 13th Streets, N.W.;

(B) The north and south sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., between 13th and 14th Streets, N.W.;

(D) Both sides of D Street, N.W., between 13 1/2 and 14th Streets, N.W.;

(E) Both sides of 13 1/2 Street, N.W., between Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., and D Street, N.W.; and

(F) The east side of 14th Street, N.W., between D Street, N.W., and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

(c) The Council may accept and use private gifts or donations for the purpose of providing goods or services for the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property as determined by the Secretary of the Council.

(d)(1) In accordance with § 1-204.04(b), the functions of the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Public Works, and any other agencies, that are related to the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property, and any position, property, record, contract, unexpended balance of appropriations, allocation, or other operating or capital funds, that are related to, available for, or to be made available for the use, management, maintenance, repair, renovation, security, lease, sale, or other disposition of the Property, are transferred to the Council.

(2) In the execution of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Public Works, and any other agency shall enter into intra-District transfer or other agreements, as determined by the Secretary of the Council.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Public Works, or any other agency of the District government which, prior to November 25, 1993, has directly or indirectly provided maintenance, security, or other goods or services to the Property shall continue to provide these goods and services, at an adequate level as determined by the Secretary of the Council, until intra-District transfer or other agreements pertaining to these goods and services are entered into between the agency and the Secretary of the Council.

(Nov. 25, 1993, D.C. Law 10-65, § 601, 40 DCR 7351; Feb. 26, 2015, D.C. Law 20-155, § 1094, 61 DCR 9990.)

Prior Codifications

1981 Ed., § 9-701.

Section References

This section is referenced in § 10-1331.

Effect of Amendments

The 2015 amendment by D.C. Law 20-155 added (b)(2)(D) and made related changes.

Emergency Legislation

For temporary (90 day) establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Centennial Fund, see § 4 of Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Emergency Act of 2007 (D.C. Act 17-239, January 11, 2008, 55 DCR 967).

For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 1015 of Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17-468, July 28, 2008, 55 DCR 8746).

For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1094 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-377, July 14, 2014, 61 DCR 7598, 20 STAT 3696).

For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1094 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-449, October 10, 2014, 61 DCR 10915, 20 STAT 4188).

For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1094 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-566, January 9, 2015, 62 DCR 884, 21 STAT 541).

Editor's Notes

Unsolicited Proposal to Enter Into a Memorandum of Understanding to Authorize the Washington Development Group, Inc., to Submit a Development Proposal for the Restoration and Renovation of the Wilson Building Resolution of 1995: Pursuant to Resolution 11-97, effective July 11, 1995, the Council approved an unsolicited proposal for a memorandum of understanding to authorize the development of a proposal for the restoration and renovation of the John A. Wilson Building.

Endorsement of the Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation and Washington Development Group, Inc., Development Plan Conditional Approval Resolution of 1995: Pursuant to Resolution 11-172, effective November 7, 1995, the Council endorsed the formation of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation, a nonprofit organization to raise funds to pay for the renovation and restoration, or the full municipal use, of the John A. Wilson Building, and conditionally approved the development plan for the renovation and restoration of the John A. Wilson Building submitted by the Washington Development Group, Inc.

General Services Administration Lease Approval Emergency Resolution of 1996: Pursuant to Resolution 11-470, effective July 17, 1996, Council approved, on an emergency basis, the lease between the Council of the District of Columbia and the United States General Services Administration for office space in the John A. Wilson Building to generate funds for the renovation and restoration of the John A. Wilson Building.

Mayor's Orders

Designation of District Building for use by the Council of the District of Columbia: See Mayor’s Order 93-14, March 5, 1993.

Establishment and Appointments — Task Force on the Historical John A. Wilson Building, see Mayor’s Order 2002-42, March 8, 2002 (49 DCR 2242).

Resolutions

Resolution 14-10, the “Assignment of the General Services Administration Lease Approval Emergency Resolution of 2001”, was approved effective January 2, 2001.

Resolution 14-61, the “Wilson Building Settlement Agreement Approval Emergency Resolution of 2001”, was approved effective March 13, 2001.

§ 10–1302. Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Centennial Fund.

(a) There is established as a nonlapsing fund the John A. Wilson Building Centennial Fund (“Fund”), to be administered by the Secretary to the Council, to be used for the purpose of providing resources for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the building, formerly known as the District Building, as the permanent location for the municipal government in Washington, D.C., and any other purpose set forth in subsection (c) of this section.

(b) Deposits into the Fund shall include appropriated funds, other District funds, private gifts, donations, and receipts from the sale of memorabilia and information commemorating the 100th anniversary of the John A. Wilson Building. All funds deposited into the Fund shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time, but shall be continually available for the uses and purposes set forth in subsection (c) of this section without regard to fiscal year limitation, subject to authorization by Congress.

(c) The Secretary to the Council may expend monies in the Fund, to commemorate the anniversary, including the following activities:

(1) Planning, developing, and executing programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the building, which occurred on or about July 4, 1908;

(2) Identifying appropriate displays and activities to showcase the history of the building and of elected government in the District of Columbia, and officials who have shaped the history of the District of Columbia;

(3) Recommending building upgrades that reflect the status of the building as the seat of municipal government;

(4) Assessing the need for an ongoing effort to document the history of the District of Columbia government;

(5) Outlining a program or programs to involve the public in learning more about the history of the Council of the District of Columbia and elected government in the District of Columbia;

(6) Encouraging educational, historical, civic, and other organizations to participate in the anniversary activities to expand the understanding of the history of elected government in the District of Columbia;

(7) Facilitating and coordinating scholarly research on and publication of historical information on the building and District of Columbia elected officials;

(8) Assuring that the observances appropriately recognize the former Mayors, Councilmembers, and others who have contributed to the growth and development of the building and elected government in the District; and

(9) Facilitating other activities related to the centennial, in and around the building, as appropriate, including receptions, parades, festivals, or other activities, and the provision of food, snacks, entertainment, and non-alcoholic beverages to the general public, and participants of those activities.

(d) The Secretary to the Council is authorized to purchase and sell books, pamphlets, memorabilia, and other materials and information.

Subchapter II. John A. Wilson Building Foundation.

§ 10–1331. Findings.

The Council of the District of Columbia finds that:

(1) Pursuant to § 10-1301, the Council has the exclusive authority to determine the use, management, maintenance, operation, repair, renovation, security, lease, and sale or other disposition of the building located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., known as the John A. Wilson Building (“Wilson Building”).

(2) The Wilson Building is the traditional seat of local government located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the “Main Street” of the Nation’s Capital, and a source of pride and hope for our District residents.

(3) The Wilson Building is in need of renovation and restoration and contains environmental conditions which should be eliminated to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to ensure compliance with all federal and local building regulations.

(4) Because of the current fiscal state of the District government, funds are not available to make expenditures estimated at $47.1 million to $60 million to renovate and restore the Wilson Building.

(Apr. 9, 1997, D.C. Law 11-180, § 2, 43 DCR 4246.)

Prior Codifications

1981 Ed., § 9-731.

Emergency Legislation

For temporary addition of subchapter, see §§ 2 through 8 of the Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation Emergency Act of 1995 (D.C. Act 11-161, November 27, 1995, 42 DCR 6781), §§ 2 through 8 of the Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation Congressional Review Emergency Act of 1996 (D.C. Act 11-209, February 14, 1996, 43 DCR 798), § 2 through 7 of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation Congressional Review Emergency Act of 1996 (D.C. Act 11-406, October 24, 1996, 43 DCR 5814), and § 2 through 7 of the Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation Congressional Adjournment Emergency Act of 1997 (D.C. Act 12-8, March 3, 1997, 44 DCR 1625).

§ 10–1332. Establishment of the Wilson Building Foundation.

(a) There is established in the District of Columbia the John A. Wilson Building Foundation (“Foundation”), a private-public nonprofit corporation.

(b) The purposes of the Foundation are:

(1) To develop a long-range plan for the use of the Wilson Building by the District government and by the public; and

(2) To develop and implement a fundraising plan to pay for the renovation and restoration of the Wilson Building.

§ 10–1333. Renovation Development Trust Fund.

(a) There is established a special trust fund to be known as the Renovation Development Trust Fund (“Fund”).

(b) The Foundation shall be responsible for administering the Fund.

(d) Monies in the Fund may derive from any of the following sources:

(1) Private donations;

(2) Federal grants;

(3) Other funds received by the Foundation; and

(4) Interest or other investment earnings on monies deposited in the Fund.

(e) The Foundation shall ensure that monies deposited in the Fund earn the highest and safest rate of return as practicable.

(f) The Fund shall be used for the following purposes:

(1) As collateral or direct financing for the complete renovation and restoration of the Wilson Building; and

(2) To buy out the remaining balance of any loan negotiated between Washington Development Group, Inc., and any financial institution for the renovation and restoration of the Wilson Building, as the Council may direct pursuant to the Endorsement of the Establishment of the John A. Wilson Building Foundation and Washington Development Group, Inc., Development Plan Conditional Approval Resolution of 1995 (Resolution 11-172; 42 DCR 6428), effective November 24, 1995.

(g) No more than 15% of the monies deposited in the Fund may be used by the Foundation for operating expenses of the Foundation, including the cost of maintaining the Fund.

(h) If within one year of April 9, 1997, the Foundation has not raised over $1 million in funds, all funds remaining in the Fund at that time shall be returned to the donors or grantors on a pro rata basis minus the administrative costs limited by subsection (g) of this section associated with returning the monies.

§ 10–1334. Establishment of Board of Directors.

(a) A Board of Directors (“Board”) is established to meet the objectives of the Foundation and to administer the Fund.

(b) The Board shall be composed of residents of the District of Columbia who are collectively representative of the geographical, ethnic, economic, and social diversity of the District of Columbia. Advisory committees and subcommittees that may be established by the Foundation may be composed of residents and nonresidents of the District.

(1) One member appointed by each member of the Council, with the chairperson of the Board appointed by the Chairman of the Council;

(2) The Secretary to the Council;

(3) The Archivist of the District of Columbia;

(4) A representative of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.;

(5) A representative of the D.C. Preservation League;

(6) A representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation;

(7) A representative designated by the Mayor of the District of Columbia; and

(8) A representative designated by the John A. Wilson family.

(d) The Board shall:

(1) Have the power to adopt, amend, or repeal by-laws for operation of the Foundation;

(2) Meet not less than quarterly at times to be determined;

(3) Prepare and submit to the Council quarterly reports on the progress on the Foundation’s fundraising;

(4) Be authorized to hire staff; and

(5) Be authorized to exercise all powers conferred upon a nonprofit corporation pursuant to Chapters 1, 2, and 4 of Title 29.

§ 10–1335. Administration of the Foundation.

The Secretary to the Council is responsible for the administration of the Foundation. No more than 15% of the total funds raised in any given year can be used for the administrative support, including staff, supplies, and promotional activities of the Foundation.

§ 10–1336. Sunset provision.

If the Foundation has returned monies deposited in the Fund pursuant to § 10-1333(h), the Foundation shall cease all operations.