The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Not Built to Last
National Mall and Memorial Parks, Lincoln Memorial
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Instead of a peaceful pond, rows of office buildings once squatted on the land in front of you. Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the temporary "Tempo" buildings constructed in 1917 when he was Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He meant for them to stand for 15 years, but instead they outlasted his presidency. The Tempos that stood here came down in 1970, but by then there were dozens of others. One Tempo still stands on 14th Street near the Tidal Basin.
Can you think of other things designed to be temporary that lasted a long time?
[Caption:]
This aerial view of the Tempo buildings was taken in 1925 from the top of the Washington Monument.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Military • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 38° 53.478′ N, 77° 2.435′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. It can be reached from 17th
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Family Affair (a few steps from this marker); Shaped by People (within shouting distance of this marker); Disappearing Act (within shouting distance of this marker); Let's Ride (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lock Keepers House (about 300 feet away); Keeping Us Connected (about 300 feet away); The Washington City Canal (about 300 feet away); Silent Witness (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
