Once an Army Map Service facility, the Intelligence Community Campus-Bethesda now stands as a testament to collaboration. It unites 17 agencies of the US Intelligence Community. Let me tell you about its transformation.
The Intelligence Community Campus-Bethesda sits on 30 acres. This land overlooks the Potomac River. The government acquired it in 1945. It was meant as an expansion for the Army Map Service. Over the years, the facility housed several agencies. These included the Army Topographic Command and the Defense Mapping Agency.
Erskine Hall was completed in 1946. It was named for Robert Erskine. Abert Hall followed in 1962. It honored John James Abert. The Emory Building was constructed in 1963. It was named after William H. Emory. Roberdeau Hall appeared in 1966 and Maury Hall in 1988. Each building served its purpose.
In 2004, Erskine Hall became part of the Army Map Service Historic District. This was recognized by the Maryland Historical Trust.
The campus underwent a significant renovation in 2012. This transformation was driven by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency moved to Fort Belvoir. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence then took over the Intelligence Community Campus-Bethesda.
Abert Hall and Emory Hall were demolished. A new Centrum building connected the remaining three buildings. The facades were modernized with glass and red-hued metal panels. Interiors were remodeled into open workspaces. A 20-acre parking lot was replaced with a six-story garage.
The renovation cost less than new construction. It saved roughly 40 percent of the cost. Leo A Daly was the architect. The goal was to foster collaboration among intelligence agencies. This was a response to the 9/11 Commission’s call for better integration.
The Intelligence Community Campus-Bethesda achieved LEED Silver certification. Energy efficiency was a priority. LED lighting and solar panels were installed. The renovated campus uses 31 percent less energy than before. The project won awards from various organizations.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in October 2015. As of that year, the campus housed about 3,000 employees. They represented the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the National Intelligence University, and the Defense Intelligence Agency.
In October 2019, the Wall of Spies Experience museum opened. It depicted 135 spies and showcased historical artifacts. A website version was created for public access.
Jim Manzelmann oversaw the project. He said the renovation gave the location a rebirth. The Intelligence Community Campus-Bethesda stands as a modern, collaborative space. It embodies the spirit of intelligence integration.