The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-01-15
POSSIBLE SITES
FOR PROPOSED
PUBLIC BUILDING
An Ediflce for Inaugural
Balls and Conven-
tons.
FOR MUSIC HALL ALSO
FOR MUSIC HALL ALSO
Localities Discussed by
Prominent Financier-ln-
teresting Realty Deals.

In view OF the fact that Congress has
served notice upon the people of the
District that they need not hope for the
use of any Government building IN which
TO hold the inaugural ball four years
hence, the developments growing cut of
this notification are of interest. 1t is
understood that assurances have been
rendered the committees of Congress
that the people of the District will. by
the time the next Inauguration of a
president comes along, have provid-
cd building in every way suitable not
only for this social function, but Of d.
mensions ample for the holding of large
conventions Not the least important
feature of the promised structure is to
De one or more balls in which concerts
can be given by our own symphony Or
chestra, and other like organizations
from other cities.
Several of the leading fnanciers of
Washington having already pledged
their active support to the undertake
ing, and no doubt being entertained that
If stock company is formed looking to
the erection of building costing from
100000 to 100000 the stock will be read
lily taken by the people of the District,
the question is already discussed where
will be the best locality for the pro-
posed eciflce. A well-known capitalist,
who, in all probability, will take a
prominent part in the enterprise, in an
informal manner, talked the matter over
with some friends a day or two ago.
Fundamental Conditions.
We have to keep in mind that this
great building will have to serve not
only social but also a. utilitarian pur-
he
mitted to exceed ss50o0o OF s4oo, 900; il
must be centrally located; 1t must be
so arranged as to attract not only very
large gatherings. but also smaller as
semblies in order that as much of its
space as possible shall be in use ali tbs
time; 1t must satisfy in its external an.
Internal construction ard ornamental
ton the esthetic taste of the comn1unit,
and be able to stand fair comparison
with the other great buildings of tn.
city.
The first two of these conditions
those of cost and location, are aImost
interdependent. We must have a cen
trail location, and yet we shall not bs
able to pay an exorbitant price for the
land. because we shall have to keep a.
much of our money as possible, for tte
building itself. admit the difficult,
of the proposition. but it will have to BIZ
overcome.
An Ideal Spot.
'One of the ideal spots. in my opinion
for this great hall would be the neigh
borhood of the New York Avenue Pres
byterian Church. In the first place. it Il
convenient to all the street car line.
without being too greatly disturbed b,
them. Then again. there is the larg,
plaza giving ample room for carrfag e
and obviating the usual congestion oc
casioned by crowds gathered With,
narrow confines. The new Masoni,
Temple to De erected on the east sid
of this plaza would form a desira bl
companion piece to the, greater struc
ture. The squares abutting on thi
plaza are OF sufficient size TO give tn
proposed building ample breadth an.
depth. The cost? There of course, i
the trouble. | suppose the land neces
sary for such a structure, if selected il
this vicinity, would cost so much tina
not enough money would be left fer tn
building Itself
Other Locations.
Another locality most suitable wo,ll
be the neighborhood of the Corcoral
Art Gallery. In that part of the cit,
land could probably be had at a NOR
reasonable price and the location woul
be nearly. If not quite as convenient a
that portion OF New York Avenue q
which I spoke while ago. If the build
ing were erected Whereabouts il woui
have stately neishbors. too. such as tn
Corcoran Gallery. the George Washing
ton University, the Octagon House
which is to be renovated, and a iitti
farther to the east the State. War an
Navy building. to say nothing Of tn
White House. Like the other locaiit
mentioned By me, it would be in cas-
distance OF all the points of interest an
Right be nlade ready OF access TO al
the street car lines.
Perhaps 1t may be found advisab l
to seek location in the eastern sectio
Of the city, some suitable spo. not TO
far removed from the CAPITOL. Blu
v heTever the structure is finally PLACED
The Fundamental conditions suggrste
by me win, ] think, have 20 be oh
stryed y
New Houses in Blooningdaie.