Evening star., 1926-03-30
ARCHITECTS SPLIT
ON BUILDING PLAN
Lynn Would Set New House
Offices on B Street, Others
Favor South Capitol.

tol, and the Allied Architects who have
been advisory 10 him in a report
ordered by the House on extension Of
House Office Building accommoda-
tions. differed over the best course
to pursue ut q hearing today before
the House committee on public build
ings and grounds
The Allied Architects, through
Louis Justement. vice president, and
Frank Upman. president, advocated
adoption of q building project to
occupy the square bounded by New
Jersey avenue i street, South Capi-
toi street and c street for a new
House Office Building. MIR. Lynn told
the committee that he thought the
alternative project for a building oc-
cupying the south frontage of b
street, lying between New Jersey ave-
nue. and Delaware avenue, was prefer
able.
The Allied Architects advocated
one large building occupying the
square directly west of the present
House Office Building, across New
Jersey avenue Mr.. Lynn was for
twin structures on the north side of
the two squares directly south of the
Capitol Building, which would not
Hotel on the south end of the New
Jersey avenue square, and which
would leave room on both squares
for future extension.
Other Experts Speak.
Other spokesmen for the architects
were II. w Peaslee, secretary; Ma
than c. Wyeth. Edward w. Dom, Jr.,
and Frederick II. Brooke.
The advantages claimed for the ar
chitects' scheme are: Proximity TO the
present House Office Building, with
main entrance from New Jersey ave
nue. and 3 street at the upper lever;
the occupancy of an entire square,
avoiding cotenancy with private
buildings and possible future compll,
cations: a building which In Itself
would cost less than the alternative
scheme, but which saving would be
offset to a considerable extent by the
cost of acquiring the Congress HaI!
Hotel property; the preservation OF
South Capitol street, both for traftlc
and for view, thus leaving open the
possible change in character OF the
district lying to the south OF the Cap
itol and recognizing the importance or
an unobStructed vista from that sec
ton.
rms ScDeI0c lildheS pr ONlShbii h'i
266 suites of offices for members OF
the House and so 900 cubic feet ad-
ditional storage space for the Repre-
sentatives. with large gymnasium
and swimming pool. ample locker and
shower facilities and space for a
lounge on the roof. 1t would also af-
ford folding room and storage space
totaling 250.0 cubic feet. 1t was es-
timated that this building would cost
Sc, 500, 900. and that the land would
cost S1,070 900, making a total of 81
$40, 900.
Position Is Better.
The plan favored by the architect
of the Capitol has these advantages:
The site Is the most advantageous
location with reference 10 the present
House Office Building and the Capitol.
and it's lesser desirability than the one
large square advocated by the aTchi-
tects being in that it lies partly
down the hill. The minimum acquisi-
ton of ground is required as the only
important property involved is that
occupied by the four story annex to
the Congress Hall Hotel.
There is ample room to meet present
need adequately and TO leave sufficient
room for future expansion. Also there
Is ample storage space LOT uOCuIneHlS,
and other space in the basement for
the parking of automobiles. In con
nection with completing the setting of
the Capitol Building, this scheme
makes for symmetrical and balance
treatment of these two squares as seen
from the Capitol and does not leave
the fate of the western square to
the uncertainties of the future. The
court offers better light and ventila-
ton than the preceding scheme, and
more pleasing possibilities for court
gardens.
This second scheme makes provision
for 270 suites of offices for members of
the House, So 900 cubic feet of addi-
tional storage space, gymnasium.
swimming pool, locker space, folding
room, space for lounge, and garage
space for 100 cars in the sub-basement
not provided in the alternative scheme.
The estimated cost of this building is
81 800 900, and the cost of the land,
1864 800. making a total cost of $s,164,-
800, as against $7,570000 in the alter
native scheme.