Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-02-14
"To Lie In Gold Obstruction
Why Washington May Not Hare
an Academy Of Fine Arts and
School of Design.
One Man Blocks the Way.
And He a Native Of Virginia, a
Resident of the District Of
Columbia, Rich, and an
Office Holder.

Inc following correspondence explains ltSel1
except that, for the information of the reader,
we may preface it with brief statement show
ing the location and relation of the property in
question. The Corcoran Gallery now owns
the lot adjoining its building, on the hvats end
having frontage OF 25 feet on 18th street and a
depth of 146 feet. Next to this, proceeding
nor Inward, comes the desired lot belonging to
Admiral Lee, having width OF 4S feet on 18th
street and depth OF 146 feet. On the north
side of this property and adjoining it comes
lot now owned by the Gallery, with a frontage
of 80 feet on 18th street and depth Of 100 feet.
1t was the purpose of the trustees of the Gal
lery, had it been possible to obtain the inter-
ven1ng lot belonging to Admiral Lee, to extend
the building northward along 18th street for a
distance of 1853 feet, covering the whole depth
of the several lots,) In style to correspond
with the present splendid edifice, and to place
in this extension additional exhibition galleries.
a lecture hail and series of spacious and
suitable apartments for an Academy OF Fine
Arts and Schools Of Design. Failing to secure
the necessary ground their noble Plans, which
Mr.. Corcoran had SO much at heart, and for
which ample provision was made, must be in
definitely postponed If not permanently aban-
doned.
But to the correspondence:
WASHINGTON, Sept. %, 1879.
Admiral s. p Lee, Sligo p o.. Montgomery
Dear Sir:-Permit me once more to respect
fully ask on what terms you will sell your lot
on 18th street to the Corcoran Gallery Of Art.
The possession OF this property is sought for
the pleasure and benefit of the whole public by
an institution most munifcently endowed by
Mr.. W. w. Corcoran, who has transferred to
trustees all his rights and interests therein.
Surely it will give you satisfaction, even II
you do not care for art yourself, to know that
you have contributed largely to the pleasure of
Others and aided in a scheme of education
which will give employment and livelihood to
many. The building, If ever completed, will be
an ornament to the city and d credit to the
country.
Your opinion expressed in our last interview,
that all property adjacent to the departments
must be very valuable, is not sustained by
facts. The houses on the Avenue from 18th to
18th streets, rent very low, and one OF them
which cost SIC coo three years ago. was sold re-
Gently for 5000. Six months ago lot nearly
not bring at auction the money paid for the lots
opposite. No large mercantile business will
ever be done on the side streets near the de-
partments, and the demand will be principally
limited to offices and restaurants AS matter
of fact, know that lots on 18th street, south of
Il street. have been sold and may be bought at
a less rate than those north of Fl street.
l feel a reluctance and delicacy In urging any
one to part with property which heehaS per-
feet right to keep, and as an individual l would
not do it, but, acting for the trustees and In the
interest of the public, do not hesitate to beg
advice of business men, to this matter, and give
me the result. A very liberal but not an eXor-
bitant price may be obtained.
Very respectfully,
(Signed.) j. C. HALL,
President BID Trustees c. G. Of A.