Congressman Cohen Raises Concerns Over GSA Plans to Dispose of Odell Horton Federal Building

Elon Musk influenced potential disposal of the building

WASHINGTON – RealEstateRama – Congressman Steve Cohen, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, addressed its Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management today. He discussed the General Services Administration’s (GSA) published list of more than 400 federal properties, including the Odell Horton Federal Building in Memphis, designated as “non-core assets being considered for divestment from government ownership.” That list has since been taken down but has caused chaos and confusion and will be potentially costly for taxpayers.

A representative of the GSA was invited to testify at today’s hearing on “Making Federal Real Estate Work for the Taxpayer” but declined to participate.

During his remarks, Congressman Cohen expressed surprise at the proposed disposal of the Odell Horton Building, where he has maintained a district office while in office. While he noted that some federal judges have sought a new facility, he underscored that the building remains 98 percent occupied.

He also highlighted the significance of the building’s namesake, Judge Odell Horton, a trailblazing African American jurist.

He stated, “I’m on the third floor of the Odell Horton Building which I had named for Odell Horton, a famous jurist, an African American jurist. It’s named for him because he is an inspiring figure for young people wanting to go into the law. He was a great judge and a great prosecutor. Don’t tear him down.”

See his full remarks here.

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