Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-09
u. S. MAY NOT GET
COSMOS CLUB SITE
Danger of Lafayette Square
Becoming CommerciaIized
to Be Shown at Hearing.

Further emphasizing the need for
protecting the setting of the White
House from invasion of business
structures, as stressed in the protest
of the American Institute of Archi-
tects. attention was called today to
the fact that the historic corner on
Lafayette square owned and occu-
pied by the Cosmos Club is in danger
of falling into the hands of COM
mercial developers unless speedily
acquired by the Government.
While the danger is said to be
rather remote at present, the disposal
of this valuable frontage neverthe-
less is being contemplated by the
board of managers of the Cosmos
Club, which has occupied the site
since 1884. In the event of it's sale
to business interests, the interesting
Dolly Madison mansion, one Of the
few remaining landmarks of Wash
ington, in all probability would give
place to modern skyscraper or
some other building that not only
would dwarf the White House in
comparison, but would be out of har-
mony with original plans of the
Mcmillan Commission for the archi-
tectural development of Lafayette
square.
With the passing of the remaining
old residences on the III street side
of this beautiful square, which offers
natural setting for the White House,
the national body of architects pro-
tests the building scheme is hodge
podge" and inexcusable IN a city re-
planned as a National Capital
Treasury Annex Plans.
Present plans-of the Government
call for the erection of the proposed
new addition to the Treasury Annex
on the site of the Cosmos Club and
Belaseo Theater, with the new Depart
ment of State Building facing La
fayette Square on the opposite side.
These structures would give to the
immediate vicinity of the White House
a touch of imposing dignity. Though
the locations of these proposed monu
mental buildings have been approved
by the proper Federal authorities, 1t
was pointed out that some years may
elapse before Congress takes the
necessary steps to put the plans into
execution
Meanwhile officials who are study
ing the situation with an eye to pre-
serving the architectural development
Of this section point to the fact that
should commercial buildings be erected
at any time soon on either one Of
these two sides of Lafayette Square
the Government would have to pay
highly for its delay in acquiring the
land.
On behalf of the Cosmos Club, it
was explained today that plans for
the possible disposal of its property or
the erection of new club building on
a part of the site are being held in
allegiance. 1t is matter, however,
that is giving the club management
much concern. As a result of a meet
ing last month, at which present and
future financing was considered, the
board of management was authorized
to proceed on the assumption that the,
club will adopt, in the reasonably near
future. some plan for securing finan-
cial advantage from the club land.
There the matter rests for the present.
Hearing Called Tomorrow.
Another phase of the situation af-
fecting the development Of Lafayette
Square will come up tomorrow after
noon at hearing before the Senate
Continued on Page 4. Column a.