Monday, April 21, 2014

Franklin School & How It'll Soon Relate To Art

By Paula Hess


Those who live in Washington, DC must have seen the Franklin School at least once during their lives. Constructed in 1869, the building that has since been considered a landmark has gone unused for quite some time. However, it appears as though there is to be new life breathed into this building but what exactly will come of this, one has to wonder? Those who learned from schools specializing in art may be the most intrigued to see what is in the future of the Franklin Building.

Washington City Paper posted an article that talked about the Franklin School and how it will soon become the location of an art museum. The city announced that it would utilize the building in order to showcase many pieces of art, including but not including to, "contemporary art, sculpture, installations, and performances." It was also said that a restaurant and a cafe alike would be incorporated. What this means, at least to me, is that there will be more of a social element seen with the future museum in question.

It also deserves to be noted how the Franklin School will be given a new sense of life after a long period of inactivity. It's important to keep in mind that the building was used for other purposes in the past, one of the examples being a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, this did not last, as the shelter in question closed during 2008. After the building ceased this endeavor, it fell into a period of inactivity, which means that it became nothing but a prominent landmark.

Of course, there's the idea of employment to consider with this upcoming museum as well. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor Hoskins commented on the matter, saying that this could, "create new jobs and provide educational and mentoring programs." Those who hold an interest in art will probably be happy to know about this, as it is able to open up potential jobs for them to take up. What about those who specialize in retail, seeing as how the museum will not only hold an eatery but a bookstore as well?

No matter where one can go, it goes without saying that there will be, at least, a few buildings that are unoccupied. Whether a business has finally been closed down or not, it's apparent that the structures left behind can still be of use. Granted, the structures in question have to be steady and sturdy alike. Fortunately, the state of Washington recognized this and the construction of a new museum is underway. This should prove engaging for both residents and tourists alike.




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