The Washington times., 1906-02-18
IDEAL CONVENIENCE
STATION PLANNED
First One in Washington
Will Be a Model.
COST LIMITED TO $4,000
Chief Craftsman McGonegal Has
Avoided Objections in Similar Es-
tablisbments Elsewhere

Within short time Washington is
TO be equipped with a series of the
most complete and modern public con-
venieuce stations in the world Pro-
posals have been asked for the con-
stTuction of station No. !, to be located
in the public square at the southwest
corner of Pennsylvania avenue and
Seventh street northwest, and work
will begin on the building as soon as a
satisfactory bid has been rendered.
Although this city has long been in
need OF public convenience stations,
the sanitary value Of which has been
recognized ir many Important places,
TO definite action had been tt ken to-
ward securing such structures until
about 4 year ago. At tNat time Con-
gress appropriated $4,000 to cover the
cost Of the first station. all OF which
amount Will be spent in making the
first building model of its kind.
Architect Visited Other Cities.
The work of drawing the plans for
the structure has been done under the
personal supervision Of Chief Drafts
man McGonegaI, Of the Office OF the
District Inspector Of Plumbing. Be
fore beginning the work. Mr.. McGone-
gal visited Boston. New York. Brook
lvn, ard Philadelphia. all of which
cities have public convenience stations.
Mr.. McGonegaIs careful investiga-
tion of the situation in the cities named
demonstrated the fact that serious mis-
takes had been made in construction
of the stations he examined. The para
mount fault seemed to be in the mat
ter of ventilation, which is regarded
as the most essential feature in the
success of building Of this kind
This was found TO be particularly so
of the station on the Mall, in Boston,
and the one In City Hail square. in New
York city Both of the stations named
were constructed below the surface of
the sidewalk with inadequate ventila-
ton. ana they We're no less than unliv-
able during periods of hot or humid
weather. These faults will. Mr.. Nc
CONCEAL says, be entirely eliminated in
the stations TO be erected in this city
Provision for Ventilation.
As a provision against the objection
OF insanitary conditions growing out OF
lack of ventilation. the plans can for
TWO htgh-pOwer vacuum fans one to
introduce hot air and the other cold
air into the building The intervals
between the introduction OF the hot
and cold air Will be FIVE minutes in
stead or one hour. as is the rule in
most other cities. This " II throw out
the polluted atmosphere fnd replace ii
with fresh wholesome air. To make
such result possible. the station will
be provided with boiler plant of suf-
ffcient capacity to heat large school
or office building.
In, sy,,va-4.-.n .l-, ,-,,-s{-,,
of ventilation comes that Of equipment
The plumbing appliances will be OF the
most approved type This VII &c aspe-
cially so os the wash basins and uginals
Toilet Arrangements.
Constant attendance viii be one of the
features of the convenience station. The
high powe. boiler viii supply hot water
throughout the entire day and night
Soap and towels viii be provided by the
city. and every precaution will be taken
to insure sanitary conditions.
unique system has been arranged
for the distribution of soap. Mr.. Nc
CONCEAL, considering it important to pro-
vide against communicable diseases of
the skin, planned an air-tight soap box
This box viii contain powdered soap,
and, after being used. seals itself cuto-
rnaticaIly, thus providing against germs
through the air.
Although the general service. such as
the use of a roller towel and soap. is 10
be free. special service will cost patrons
nominal sum This latter service would
include any special attention that may
he required by those visiting tk. sta
ton The money derived from the spe-
cial service viii be added to the fund
for the maintenance of the station, thus
making the establishment partially self
supporting.
Style of the Building.
The station will be constructed Of
brick with probably a roof of terra
Gotta. II viii stand one full story above
the ground. and viii be accessible to the
street through four entrances. two for
men and two for women.
From an architectural standpoint the
station will be attractive. Its design
IS simple with rather classical lines.
and no attempt has been made at
elaborate ornamentation.
ShY-ubbery and trees will be planted
IN the grounds surrounding the sta
ton to give the place a desired seclu-
sion from the busy traffic of the
street
The whole thought of those who na>-e
had the planning and construction of
the station in hand. IL is explained. has
been to expend the appropriation OF
S25.000 in the most practical manner.
The plans have been drawn with great
care and attention to detail, and with
a view - showing that the results to
be attained will Justify the erection fyY