Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-07-31
NEW HOME OF U. S. c. OF C.

ON tho site OF the old Danlel W en-
stcr residence, directly across Lafay-
cite square from the White House,
q new Chamber of Commerce build
ing is TO be constructed at a cost of
$1,000 600. This Will be the head
quarters of the United States Cham
Der of Commerce.
The new building viii be of the
classic type Of architecture in har-
mony with the general plan of gov
eminent buildings in vogue in the
Capital City since the administra-
ton Of jefferson. The Boston Eve
ming Transcript states:
1T Will extend l5S feet on Fl street
and 149 feet on Connecticut avenue.
The architect is Cass Gilbert CT New
Work, who designed the Treasury
Annex, located on the same square
and built during the World War.
The designs are much in common,
it being the idea Of the fine arts
commission to aim at n certain uni
formlty in the development of build
ings around the square"
Four stories of the building will
At present be constructed up to the
halustrado. A fifth and possibly Il
sixth story can be added if the needs
of the Chamber later require.
1t has not as yet been determined
whether or not it will be practicable
TO add an auditorium at the rear
of the lot. which would seat $50
people. as bids have not all been as
yet submitted. If the auditorium be
added it will extend only for three
stories Of the building and will have
a fiat room so as not to obstruct
the fine view north and cast Addi-
tional stories could be added in the
future. The interior court Will be
about 60 feet square.
The main entrance Will he on II
street. Rooted passages resembling
cloistcrs Will he constructed on each
side of the court between the main
building and the auditorium. The
main entrance will lead into spa
cous hall On the ground floor will
he reception rooms, committee rooms,
a conference room. and a library.
The upper stories, namely. the sec
ond, third, and fourth stories. will
be used for Office purposes, only, the
room for the board of directors being
on the top floor.
The building is intended to be the
headquarters for American business,
and not for the exclusive use Of the
officers and staff of the Chamber.
The auditorium, especially, when
built, can be used for meetings Of
various organizations held in Wash
ington.
Until the auditorium is constructed.
there will be conference room in
the west wing on the ground floor,
which will accommodate $50 people.
Julius II. Barnes is the recently
elected and efficient president of the
United States Chamber of Commerce
Numbers OF historical societies are
Ia tho fact he
OF the Webster mansion. once a show
place in Washington, are doomed to
disappear The pile Of bricks left
from the old house has been the prey
OF souvenir seekers. Even the great
lockwood tree under which Webster
used to sit and plan his great
speeches. has been moved to the
Lincoln Memorial grounds. Here it
was that Lord Ashburton and Web
! ster planned the Webster Ashburton
treaty between England and the
! United States. Within a year an
| imposing structure OF marble will
, stand on the old site and business
men from every section of the coun :
try will watch With interest for
newspaper descriptions OF the in
side doings" Of this great business
organization.
One Joseph c. Pelletier seems to