It would seem that an AIA lawyer could review existing contracts by donors for their government work under the open records act. Anything top secret probably would not be reviewable. But given that there are numerous government contracts of record, it would be relatively easy to determine if there are any non-emolument clauses or prohibitive donations in those contracts. If they are there, then it is a matter of law, not ethics. I am no lawyer, but maybe this could be handled by discovery by the national trust under their existing agreements?
Richard L. von Luhrte FAIA Emeritus
Original Message:
Sent: 02-06-2026 12:06 PM
From: John Prokop, Assoc. AIA
Subject: Kennedy Center
Richard,
I believe this approach would make total sense. I fear, however, that any ethics enforcement has been nearly abolished by this administration, with many Inspectors General fired, intentionally to allow such things to happen without oversight or criticism.
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John Prokop Assoc. AIA
Rowe Architects
Tampa FL
Original Message:
Sent: 02-04-2026 06:45 PM
From: Richard von Luhrte, FAIA Member Emeritus
Subject: Kennedy Center
I have a new thought on the ballroom. We have been logically complaining about the building for its scale, size, and the fact that it has not followed standard procurement procedures nor legislative approval. But maybe there is another angle having to do with the money and the donations to fund the project.
It was stated in the committee meeting that the funding for the ballroom is fully in place. When asked if all the commitments have been actually paid, there was little explanation one way or the other. If I recall my days of doing government work, the standard government contracts specifically prohibit the contract holder to pay donations, pay emolument of any sort, to anybody or any agency in the government that could conceivably compromise the work being performed under the contract or incur any future obligations to either the client or the contractor.
Since most of the donors are in fact contract holders for government contracts, some huge, I am wondering if it is even legal for those many donors to "gift" the Executive Office, the POTUS, or any other government agency with no strings attached gifts. The question is whether at the end of the day whether these gifts are in fact legal at all, and whether donors, when finding that their own contracts become in question, that they would be inclined to drop their offer to pay. I believe the government has a threshold of $50 gifts to elected officials or their projects without subject to some sort of taxes on the gift and some sort of investigation for emolument, or breach of contract. I am not a tax expert or lawyer, but clearly there are questions about the legitimacy of the gifts, and what is expected in return. But if it "gets too to hot in the kitchen" I would wonder how many of the donors might get cold feet and retract their offer to donate. I wonder if without the funds in hand, the project would not be permitted to go forward. To proceed without the money in the bank, the project could not proceed without the potential exposure of the US Treasury to make up a non-authorized expenditure should the money fall short.
I would also assume that the "gifts" would have a public paper trail where any conditions or limitations could be reviewed and the actual funding put up for legal scrutiny before vertical construction is initiated. This could become the real "Achilles Heal" to the project being able to proceed without approval by congress that the funds would be available should any of the donor funds not be collected or should any donor become ineligible to make donations because of existing contracts with the Federal Government.
Original Message:
Sent: 2/4/2026 5:51:00 PM
From: Edmond Gauvreau, FAIA
Subject: RE: Kennedy Center
Brenda,
Go over to the College of Fellows discussion group - you will find a good number of folks there.
David Metzger's email - metzgercd@comcast.net
Barbara Heller is still active in running the firm. Her email is bheller@dcstrategies.net
Since I am still employed by the Fed, I am holding my tongue (for now).
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Edmond Gauvreau, FAIA, F.SAME
Washington, DC
Original Message:
Sent: 02-04-2026 01:14 PM
From: Brenda Scheer, FAIA Member Emeritus
Subject: Kennedy Center
I am in contact with members of the Kennedy Center Orchestra/Washington National Opera who are seeking help to protect the Kennedy Center, assuming the administration uses the standard process. Does anyone here have a good handle on the review process for Federal Buildings in DC? The KC is not on the register as an historic building but it is designated a "living monument".
I would really like to provide help here. I was one of about twenty people in Salt Lake City who were able to stop the demolition of Abravanel Hall. Our team is willing to give some guidance, but we need more local assistance. Obviously someone who is a retired FAIA would be best.
Brenda (Bree) Scheer FAIA FAICP
Emeritus Dean, University of Utah