Evening star., 1895-11-08
WASHINGTON 1.-THE PLACE
Permanent Headquarters Of the American
Institute of ArohiSekts Should Be Here
Mr.. Glen Brown Tells of the Advan-
taEcs Afforded by the
Capital City.

At the last convention of the American
Institute of Architects, held in st. Louis
last month, Mr.. D. HI Burnham, the prest-
dent, in his address called attention to the
needs of the institute for building as a
permanent headquarters. The institute
possesses many interesting and valuable
drawings, photographs periodicals and
books, which have been presented to 1t dur
ing its existence by individuals, architects
in this country and by architectural and
other kindred associations of foreign coun-
tries. This matter is stored, and of no use
to any one. In a home OF their own, such a
collection would form a nucleus for a IL
brary ard architectural museum, which
would grow as its value and educational
Importance became known.
Messrs. Burnham of Chicago, Post OF New
YORK and warren of Boston were appointed
committee to examine into the question of
location, character and feasibility of such
a building, with directions to. report at the
next meeting of the institute, to be held in
the fall of 1885, in Nashville, Tenn.
MT. Robert Stead of this city, in this con-
nectlon, advocated Washington as the most
hitting location, and suggested that as a be-
ginning and temporary arrangement, a room
Hllsht possibly be obtained in the new Il
brary for the display of what the institute
now nave OF an interesting character.
Advantages of Washington.
AT the last meeting of the Washington
Chapter OF the institute Robert Stead, Glen
Brown and Leon Dessez were appointed a
committee to formulate the advantages of
washington as the only proper city for the
Headquarters of such an institution, and
present these advantages to the committee
appointed by the institute.
or course" said Mr.. Glen Brown, "all
Washingtonians will Immediately appre-
crate the advantages of our city for such
an institution. 1t would give it the widest
publicity, not being lost as it would be in
chicago or New York in the rushing bust
ness atmosphere that prevails in those
cltes. All foreigners and citizens journey
mere and have leisure, and expect to find
located mere just such collections. For in
structlon they would be more valuable in
connection with the government exhibits
than if isolated
The opportunity of increase through the
interest or foreign diplomats we'll as
our own ministers ard consuls, would be
better here than elsewhere. The institute
iecated In Washington would be 4 strong
ieVer IN the movement the profession has
peen making to have the architectural work
OF the Treasury Department or supervising
architects office given to the most talent
ed men in the profession in the country
through some form of limited competition.
II would also be one of the beginnings
which will eventually make Washington
the art center of the country.
My idea is a museum in which NAV be
collected ana displayed plans, models and
photographs of the best work, and books
relating thereto in Europe and this country
where men truly great in the profession
may be commemorated by statues, busts
profession and laity can make a compre-
hers sive study of theHsubject and may see
ard appreciate the high aims ard bonored
names which have belonged to it,