Evening star., 1938-09-14
7W0-STRUCTURE
CENTER PROGRAM
GIVEN APPROVAL
John Marshall Place Vista
to Old Courthouse to
Be Kept Open.
1900, 900 IS IN SIGHT
TO START OPERATIONS
Space Is Available for Expansion
Up to so Years, According to
District Officials.
picture on Page BIZ

Public Works Administrator Ickes
today notified the Commissioners that
final approval had been given 10
plan for the new Municipal Center
which would divide the structure into
two separate buildings, keeping vista
open through John Marshall place 70
the old District Court House.
The decision, recommended by the
Fine Arts Commission, National Capt.
tai Park and Planning Commission
and the District Commissioners, ended
delays over drafting of final plans for
the new municipal buildings which
must be started before January l IN
der the P. w. A. terms.
The P. w. A. previously had an
nounced its approval of use of S.
100000 to push the Municipal Center
project toward completion. The Dis
trict must pay SIS per cent of this sum
over period of "a years, beginning
in l94l.
S7.2oo,ooo in Sight.
In addition to these funds, Congress
has authorized the District to spend
$l,500000 to start the Center build
ings, and appropriated 100000 out OF
District revenues for this purpose this
fiscal year. Therefore. the Commits
sioners now have in sight $7,200,000
for the new Municipal Building, which
will be located on either side of John
Marshall place and c street on the
south, Indiana avenue and D street
on the north, Third street on the east
and Sixth street on the west.
For several years there has been
debate over whether there should be
one great building extending across
John Marshall place or whether this
old street should be kept open so as to
retain view from Pennsylvania ave-
nue. Of the old courthouse, which has
been described as one of the finest
examples of architecture in the Dis
trict. This objective will be achieved
in the plans now subject to agree
ment by the four different agencies.
John Marshall place not only will
be kept open but the municipal build
ings will be set back sufficiently to
give broad vista of the south facade
Of the courthouse.
Six Stories Provided.
The two separate municipal build
ings will be of six stories. While
the decision to keep John Marshall
place open will reduce the available
land area in the site. District off,
cials said there is plenty of room
in the area selected for the Municipal
Center for present requirements and
for future expansion up to perhaps
so years. In fact, the plan shows
available space for additions later at
both the east and west ends of the
present outlined two structures. These
two buildings will be connected by a
tunnel running under John Marshall
place.
A formal contract carrying specifica-
tions for the buildings is expected to
be submitted by Administrator Ickes
to the Commissioners within a few days
covering the plan agreed on by the four
Government agencies. 1t is expected
then that funds will be advanced for
pushing the project ahead as fast as
the District needs them.
The first unit, which the Commits
sioners already are authorized to start
under the existing regular appropria-
ton of $500,00O is intended to house
the Police. Fire and Traffic Depart
ments. There was no immediate an
nouncement of what other municipal
departments would be housed in the
succeeding sections of the two buildings
as they are erected.