The former Women’s Army Corp dormitory building, which is currently the Christian Science Church. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Los Alamos County Council voted unanimously to authorize the County to purchase the former Women’s Army Corp (WAC) dormitory at 1725 17th St. during the July 30 regular council meeting.
The approval is a bit of a milestone; during the meeting County Manager Harry Burgess said, “This, as far as I know, is one of the last potential acquisitions of Manhattan Project era property in the community and per our earlier conversation, it is important in the interpretation of that era. If the County were to acquire it, obviously we need to consider its ultimate use but certainly there would be an opportunity to incorporate it into the Manhattan Project National Historical Park…”
Burgess said the purchase price of the property is $600,000. The property, he said, is approximately 5,000 square feet and consists of a common area and 20 bedrooms. Currently, the Christian Science Church occupies the building and there are a few contingencies with the sale. First, Burgess said the church members will continue to operate in the building until March 2020. There will be no additional costs to the church members, but they will cover the utilities during that period. All their personal property will be removed but everything else belonging to the building will remain.
Burgess added that the County estimates it would cost about $2 million to bring the building up to current code. The purchase received unanimous support not only from council but also members of the public.
During public comment, Los Alamos Historical Society Executive Director Elizabeth Martineau said, “We have a long, successful partnership with the County to preserve and protect and communicate the history of Los Alamos and this partnership allows us to care for and interpret historic properties. We’ve come together to establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park that boosts tourism in our town and we feel our community has a important story tell and this building is an important part that story.” She added, “It was built during the Manhattan Project … we feel the former WAC dorm gives us a look back at a time that was crucial to our country and a glimpse at the way of life that was lived by young women who came to Los Alamos during WWII. These young women played an important part in the Manhattan Project and in doing so they played a part in ending the war. We feel that this is an opportunity that we really should not miss…”
Councilor James Robinson said, “I am excited to see that we can move forward with this building … just being part of the actual part of the Manhattan Project itself is exhilarating … I am kind of glad we can preserve it and keep it going.”
Councilor Antonio Maggiore called the purchase a “no brainer;” explaining it is a wonderful piece of history and the building allows Los Alamos to expand on its interpretation of the town’s past. Furthermore, Maggiore said the building is a great asset to the local tourism effort.
There’s probably a lot that could be learned from that building, Councilor David Izraelevitz said.
“I think there are a lot of stories to tell that this building would just bring to life,” he said.
While she supported the purchase of the building, Councilor Katrina Schmidt recommended developing a clear vision for the building’s purpose so it does not become another vacant property.
“I would like to see some action taken going forward in terms of a clear vision of where we are going with this property,” she said.
Sheehey added that there are multiple uses for the building and he looks forward to getting suggestions from the community on what to do with the property.