National Institute of Standards and Technology Improvements - Gaithersburg MD Originally called the National Bureau of Standards, this a measurement standards laboratory, which is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. The name was changed in 1988. (It is also sometimes known as the National Metrological Institute (NMI)).
In 1938-40, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) did extensive work on the facilities. WPA relief labor was employed around the Bureau of Standards site to:
"Rehabilitate buildings and improve facilities and grounds at the National Bureau of Standards Reservation. The work includes improving roofs and gutters; placing footings and floors; relocating and remodeling doors, windows, and skylights; replacing doors and window...