Noah Miller
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) DC’s renowned educational center for all things espionage is moving forward with its relocation plans.
The International Spy Museum has begun construction on its new space in L’Enfant Plaza, settling after 18 months of negotiation with the Plaza’s owning developer, JBG Cos.
The new facility, which will be located at 900 L’Enfant Plaza SW encompasses 140,000 square-feet, sitting right in front of the Plaza’s glass atrium and featuring a glass “veil” suspended in front of the exhibition space.
“The International Spy Museum has long been a destination for residents and visitors,” said DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, “finding innovative ways to keep us connected with our past.”
The museum owes its permanence in part to the Cleveland-based Malrite Company owned by Milton Maltz.
The JBG Companies represent Maltz in L’Enfant Plaza.
Maltz. a Navy veteran believes it is the museum’s educational properties that drive him to keep the museum around for some time. “We consider it essential to ensuring the contributions of the dedicated men and women who serve in our intelligence agencies,” he said. “They are recognized for the invaluable roles they’ve played in winning wars and protecting Americans at home and around the globe.”
The museum’s leadership set its sights on L’Enfant Plaza after scrapping plans to relocate to the Carnegie Building.
The new deal was made possible by the mayor, who spearheaded the project with 50 million dollars in tax-exempt bond financing, money that will be paid back at a lower cast than it would without the District’s support.
Construction is expected to conclude in the spring of 2018, ushering in 300 new construction jobs and generating more positions overall compared to the museum’s current location.
Until then, the museum will remain in operation at its current location on F Street NW.
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