Andrews prepares to part with piece of history

Published Jan. 27, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

Joint Base Andrews, Md. -- This spring Joint Base Andrews, Md., will part ways with the historic building 1535 following the command move to the new eco-friendly William A. Jones III Building.

The demolition of the 55 year-old building will clear space for future development as JBA continues to grow.

"Getting a coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee without tripping a circuit breaker was a challenge that often depended on the electron-Gods smiling on your effort," said Selim E. Scimone, Air Force District of Washington strategic plans and programs executive officer, JBA. "With that said, it's certain that the designers of the building couldn't possibly foresee the infrastructure requirements of today's society."

While occupied, 1535 created memories and documented history that cannot be forgotten.

"When one approached the building along West Perimeter Rd., the first thing noticeable was the long driveway with flags from all 54 states and territories leading to the circular drive in the front of the building," said Scimone.

The building, nicknamed "Baby Pentagon," has never been officially dedicated to an individual, according to John DeShetler, 11th Wing Historian.

The building was originally designed for 1,500 employees on a $3.4 million budget.

"The building's 1946 construction was most noticeable when viewed from inside," said Scimone. "The original awning-style crank-operated windows were an anachronism compared to today's windows."

The original design of the building consisted of five rows of corridors. Later, the wings connecting them were added on.

"Kudos to the 11th Wing Civil Engineers for maintaining a stable work environment in an aging facility!" said Scimone.

The demolition of the building will not be an easy task for a building "that is solid as a rock."

"Anyone who tried to hang an item on an interior wall without using a small explosive to insert a nail found their efforts wasted," said Scimone. "Additional proof of its solidity came after the August 2011 earthquake when post-quake inspections found only minor evidence of structural damage."

1535's corridors have been marked throughout the years with the wisdom of various commands and the staffing and leadership that goes along with them.

"General George Kenney moved Strategic Air Command from Bolling to the building at Andrews in October 1946," said DeShetler. "General Curtis LeMay took over SAC, but moved the command to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb."

Military Air Transport Service used the building as its headquarters from 1946 to 1957 before it moved to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to evolve in Air Mobility Command.

Air Force Systems Command stayed the longest in the building, calling it home from 1957 to 1992.

"Additionally, because AFSC command was a four-star position, many notable USAF leaders worked here," said DeShetler.

Among those was Gen. George Scratchley Brown and Gen. Lew Allen, both who continued on to become Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

In its final days, Building 1535 served as headquarters building for the 11th Wing and the Air Force District of Washington, housing offices for the ranks of airmen basic through major general. The last residents of the building officially exited in the last days of December 2011.

"All in all, it's sad to see Building 1535 empty, unused, and scheduled for demolition," said Scimone. "One cannot help look at it and feel a sense of history."

The demolition is slated for May or June 2012. It is estimated to take approximately four months to complete the task. The building will be mechanically deconstructed.

"Inevitably, there comes a time when cost of ownership must take precedence over all other considerations, and so it goes for Building 1535," said Scimone. "It has served the Air Force well over the past 64 years - and for that it should best be remembered."