The Office of Public Records is mandated by DC Law 6-19 and the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 1, Chapter 15, to review and approve agency records retention schedules; train records officers in implementing the policies, procedures, and guidelines of managing records; collect, store, preserve, conserve and service historical records in the custody of the Archives; collect, store and service temporary records in the custody of the Records Center; and collect, store and service publications in the custody of the Library of Government Information.
Public Records and Archive Services is managed and administered through the Office of Public Records and Archives.
Service Details:
Research Building Permits and Architectural Plans
Related Services:
Library of Government Information
Service Contact:
Office of Public Records, Administrator
Contact Email: archives@dc.gov
Contact Phone: (202) 671-1105
Contact Fax: (202) 727-6076
Contact TTY: 711
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:15 am to 4:45 pm
Service Location:
GIS Address:
1300 Naylor Court, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Connect With Us
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 419, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 727-6306
Fax: (202) 727-3582
TTY: 711
Alternate Number: Notary: (202) 727-3117
Email: secretary@dc.gov
Ask the Secretary of the District of Columbia
Secretary of the District of Columbia
The new archival facility will address the records center storage needs of the District and provide a facility that meets the standards for records centers. It will consolidate current collections in one location and anticipate ongoing needs for space and support services. The archive requires facilities with highly specialized technical building systems that provide the controlled and secure environments necessary to ensure the long-term safety of the collections. The new facility will provide better security for the collections and enhanced access for the public, while allowing for future expansion. The project includes the selective removal of University of District of Columbia (UDC) Building #41 and construction of a new purpose-built facility to accommodate the updated program for the Office of Public Records.
In 2014, the Office of the Secretary began in earnest efforts to construct a new Office of Public Records (OPR) facility for Washington, DC. A series of public meetings, forums and discussions were held and a search for a location began. In 2018, the University of the District of Columbia's (UDC) Van Ness campus was identified as the site of the new facility. After many studies, Building #41 at UDC was selected for the site of the archives. To accommodate OPR and its collections Building #41 must be demolished and a new purpose built facility constructed.
Today, with the assistance of the Department of General Services and a team of architects, the Office of the Secretary has begun the process of designing the new facility. The expected completion date is Winter 2026.
For updates on the current status of the project and to review project documents, please visit the DGS website at the link below:
Please share any comments you have about the new facility and its design below:
