Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Level 2 documentation of Building 29 at the NIH is part of the efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of the planned demolition of the building, in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the NIH and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT). Building 29 is nationally significant to the history of medicine and public health. In this building, the NIH and then FDA staff helped to conquer some of the deadliest infectious diseases. In their regulatory role they had the national responsibility to license vaccines, antitoxins, blood products, and other biologics to ensure their safety and effectiveness. To support this role, they did scientific research which resulted in the development of important standards and even new vaccines. Building 29 was completed in 1960, designed by local architect Ted Englehardt, AIA.
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General Overview of Building 29
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General Overview of Building 29
Architectural character: The architectural character of Building 29 is a move away from the original Georgian Revival core of the NIH campus and a strong emphasis on utility, economy, and functionality, resulting in a lack of architectural detail and ornament. This was common for government and institutional buildings in the early 1960s and reflected the tight budgets and timelines for construction.
Condition of fabric: The exterior of Building 29 is remarkably intact, including brick veneer, limestone cap, and original windows and doors. The interior of the building is less so, due to the changing needs of scientists over a 59-year period and due to the asbestos abatement, which included removal of some original materials.
