The Government Printing Office, headquartered at 700 North Capitol Street since just after the Civil War, may be looking to move out of its current location into smaller offices. The Washington Business Journal reports that the Printing Office has hired the Staubach Company as a real estate consultant to look into alternatives to the office on North Capitol Street, which would open the 1.5 million square foot building to private redevelopment. Because of improvements in printing technology, the Printing Office only needs about 500,000 square feet. The proposed move, according to a Printing Office press release, would save taxpayers an estimated $35 million dollars. There is no word on whether the Printing Office will remain in D.C. or move to the suburbs.

Formed in 1860, the Government Printing Office

produces and procures printed and electronic publications for Congress and the departments and establishments of the Federal Government. It furnishes printing supplies to all governmental activities on order. It catalogs, distributes, and sells Government publications in printed and electronic formats.

The most referenced document produced by the office is probably the Congressional Record, thought the office has gained some attention in recent years for producing such documents as the Starr Report and the 9-11 Commission report.