Bldg N200 - Administration Building

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Building N-200 has been reviewed for historic merit and is believed to be eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This was one of the earliest buildings on the NASA Ames Research campus. It was designed under the direction of Smith DeFrance, the Ames Research Center's first director, and became the main administration building. It is significant at the national level under National Register Criterion A and B (California Register Criterion 1 and 2) for its use as the Ames Aeronautical Laboratory Administration Building (1942 - 1958) and later as the Ames Research Center Administration Building (1959 - Present). It was originally constructed to house all administrative and office activities at the center, including the offices of the Director and Assistant Director, Center Management, Personnel, Procurement, and Central Files. Additionally, the building was the original home to several research divisions, the library, and the cafeteria. This building is significant in the areas of space exploration and settlement (1943 - Present), and in the areas of science and invention. Additionally, the building is significant for its association with Smith DeFrance, H. Julian Allen, John F. Parsons, and Harry J. Goett. Although the interior has been largely altered and there have been several exterior renovations (i.e., the addition of an elevation tower and canopy), Building N-200 still retains qualities that convey its historical significance. This building possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.