The Washington times., 1905-02-26
GREAT BUILDING
FOR |NAUGlJRA[S
IN COMING YEARS
Committee About to
Consider the FL
nancing.
ELIGIBLE SITES DISCUSSED
Not Less Than Half Million to
Be Expended for Structure.
Plans for Apartments. A
ELIGIBLE SITES DISCUSSED

There is nothing in the whole field Of
real estate transactions and building
operations that may engage the atten-
ton OF the people of the District in the
near future Of more absorbing inter
est than the plans soon to be fornlu-
lated fer the erection of a great struc
ture IN which the Inauguration balls of
coming years may be held and which
also can be utilized for the holding of
conventions This interest is stimulated
at present by the announcement that
the committee which has the matter in
hand will meet tomorrow to take the
preliminary steps for raising the neces-
sary funds, it being expected that Con-
gress will furnish the site.
Naturally the question of a suitable
site Is almost of greater Importance
than any other that will have to be
considered in connection with this sub
jeet. The location of this building must
conform to the character of the func-
tions that are to be conducted within
its walls. 1t must be within convenient
distance from the new Union Station,
is easy reach of the chief Government
buildings. readily accessible by street
railways. and-not the least important
feature-sight must not be lost of It's
relation du whatever plans may be de-
cided upon some day for the conversion
OF the south side of Pennsylvania ave-
nue. into great stretch of Government
structures. The committee is prepared
10 give due weight TO I'll these essen
tIals
Sites Discussed.
IN the informal exchanges of opinion
that have already taken place number
CT desirable sites have been discussed
It Is believed, however, that an espe-
cially favorable view is taken of two
localities which would seem TO lend
themselves admirably to the purpose In
hand. One OF these is the present Balti-
more and Potomac station, the other a
plot of ground south of the Sherman
statue and abutting on Fifteenth street
In behalf Of the first named of these
two points it may be advanced that it
conforms TO all the requisites In the
matter of accessibility, as well as 10 the
other essential of ample surrounding
ground for tbs accomm odation of large
bodies OF men and of carriages. Its
proximity TO the great thoroughfare of
the city is another point In its favor.
and It would be in the line of the i'm
provements involved in the scheme for
the Greater Washington
It is doubtful If a site could be found
more suitable in all respects than that
south of the Sherman statue. There
need be practically no Limitation as tc
space either for the building itself oi
the grounds surrounding IL, In the
opinion Of men most informed on tht
subject little doubt exists that whenever
the comprehensive movement for tn.
Identification of Pennsylvania ayenu,
and the Mall is begun the start Will bc
made at Fifteenth street, and that al
the ground between Pennsylvania auC
Chic avenues will be taken a buiIdine
erected at this point would be close L
the White House and several of tn,
large Government departments, TO al
the leading hotels and places of amuse
merit, to all the arteries of communica
ton with all parts Of the city; in fine, /
would be convenient in every direction
Building to Cost $500, 200.
The committee Is credited with the in
tention Of raising a fund of not les
than half i million dollars for the con
struetion of the building itself 1t i
known that number Of prominent an
wealthy citizens are ready to contribut
literally, and it is expected that con
tributions will also be received fror
public spirited men in other cities wf7
have long recognized the need of sue
structure in Washington. No plans
OF course. looking to the architecture
design or the Interior details of tn
building have been formulated or eve
considered, but it can be said 1t is gen
orally admitted that it should provid
not only Tor great functions such as tn
Inaugural bail or important conven
tions. but should also contain som
smaller halls which could be utilized 70
concerts and other similar public en-
tertainGaeHts. There is such a deart
IN Washington OF places of this sor
TIA: IL IS thought the proposed b,IiIdin
would prove fairly remunerative bust
ness venture.