The Washington times., 1903-07-30
Work on Construction OF
Main University Build
ing to Begin in the Fall
and TO Be Completed
Within a Year.
STUDENTS OF COLLEGE
TO DRAW THE PLANS
TO Be Under Supervision of
Board of Architects
Three Additional Struc-
lures Are to Be Erected.

The work of erecting new educa .ionai
buildings on the old Van Ness estate.
the site recently purchased for the es-
tablishment of the greater Columbian
University. is 10 be begun early +his
fail. The main building, II is expected.
will be finished within a year. and class
! work conducted before the close Of 1904.
DR.. Charles W. Needhsm, president CT
| the University. arrived in Washington
Tuesday on flying visit, and departed
this afternoon.
He spent the greater period Of his
brief stay at his desk in the college
building, considering and arranging
plans for the carrying out OF the great
er university project.
Title Not Yet Transferred.
The transfer OF the title to the uni
veTsity authorities has not yet been
completed. but payment has been made
on the ground and IL is expected that tie
formal transfer will be made withia a
short time.
DR.. Needham said this morning to q
reporter for The Times that the cost Of
$780, 900. This building will be the frs;
erected
II Will be four stories IN height. The
| first Seer will be utilized as class and
professors rooms. the second as dor.ni-
tories. and the remaining two foors for
whatever purposes the faculty may de-
termine.
three other buildings will be subse-
Guently erected on the three remaining
sid"s Of the lot. forming a square ard
iEelosing an attractive and ccmmoIious
court
II is expected that the first ana main
building viii be completed within
year. and the college will thea he maved
to its new curriers'
Students TO Draw Plans.
No specific drawings for any Of the
buildings have as yet been submitted.
The officers Of the university have under
consideration the establishment OF a
school OF architecture in connection with
the college. The subject has been
studied for several years, and Dr. Need
ham is az work on plans for the new
branch which he hopes to complete upon
his return TO the city next September.
The new school of architecture viii
be presided over by board consisting
of five or seven OF the most prominent
architects in the country. The boarI
viii determine upon the material and
general outline of the new building and
plans will then be received from stu
dents OF the schools, and. If deemed nee
purpose Of the faculty, so far as pos
sible. to have the new building planned
by its own students.
II has long been the desire OF DR..
Needham and his associates at the uaI-
versity 10 establish the architectural
school and make ii national institu-
ton. Washington is situated in the
heart. so 20 speak, OF American archi-
lecture. the basis OF which is the colo
lial style so prevalent through Virginia
and MARYLAND.
DR.. Needham believes the Capital
should have at least one school OF arehi-
lecture. From the progress made by
students OF the Columbian University
during the past year. he believes she
college is in a fair way 10 establish such
IN institution
Architectural Harmony Sought.
One of the main reasons for having
such well-known architects On the board
as DR.. Needham hopes TO enroll is 10
procure their advice upon the most har-
monious style for the new buildings.
The university will be situated in the
midst of many notable public buildings,
among them the CorcoTan Gallery OF
Art the new Museum. and the Depart
ment of Agriculture. II is desired that
the Columbian University may har-
monize In architecture with these build
ings and still be distinctive IN style.
The faculty OF Columbian University
has yet received no offers for its present
building The college viii be occupied for
at least another year and there is no
wish 10 dispose OF the old property until
an adequate price is offered.
DR.. Needham left Washington today
for his summer home in Rhode Island,
" here he is N remain until Sapfeuah I