Evening star., 1941-04-12
BY DON S. WARREN.

O11lAldl NOIlSluCl a lIOIl Is
given by Federal officials for the
possible taking of the Districts new
municipal center building, or as an
alternative, the huge drill hall Of
the Armory for the District National
Guard, to fill the War Departments
urgent needs for space, it was re-
vealed today.
Repeated rumOrs that the War
Department was considering pos
sible use of the new District struc-
lures have been heard around Wash
lngton for some months. but first
confirmation came today from the
Commissioners when they said
committee representing the Federal
Works Agency had made inquiries.
Federal Works Administrator John
Carmody, it was learned, has re-
ceived hurry-up call from War
Department officials for the pro-
vision of 10000 square feet OF
space, needed at once for housing
OF unit Of expanding national de-
fense staff workers.
Committee Sees Building.
Confirming reports to this effect,
the Commissioner said they had
taken a Federal Works Agency COM
mittee to see both the east building
of the Municipal Center, scheduled
to be ready for use some time in
June, and the Armory drill hall.
now substantially finished and
which, it is said, could be made
ready for emergency use within
about two weeks
IN the past, when reports have
been heard that the Federal Gov
ernment might want the Municipal
Center Building. District officials
have expressed hope this would not
be necessary, particularly because
so many District agencies now have
to be housed in scattered and un-
suitable buildings because the Dis
trict Building itself long since has
been too small to house all municipal
activities.
However, the only statement made
by the Commissioners today was to
the effect "the District government
will cooperate with the Federal
Government in any measure neces-
sary to aid in national defense"
Possibility that the Federal Gov
eminent may select the Armory drill
hall instead Of the Municipal Center
Building was seen in the fact that
the space is required at once and
that the drill hall could be made
usable quickly, whereas the Munich
pal Center Building will not be fin
lshed until some time in June.
Part for Specialized Purposes
Furthermore. a considerable por-
ton of the space in the Municipal
Center Building has been laid out
for specialized purposes, such as
special arrangements for the han
ding and sale of automobile tags,
and 1t was suggested that TO make
such space available for general
office purposes, the Federal Govern
ment might find it necessary to rip
out large sections of these special
facilities and reconstruct the floor
space, all of which would REQUIRE
time.
The municipal center building will
cost approximately S5.70O.0O0, and
the District government is repay
ing the loan portion of public works
funds used to finance its construc-
ton. Years ago the District bought
the site for this building. If this
building is taken, the Police Depart
ment would have to continue to use
its present old building on Indiana
avenue and other units of the citv
government would have to stay in
crowded or unsuitable buildings.
Total cost Of the District Armory
project is estimated at S2.75O.OOO.
The drill hall and certain other
facilities constituting the first unit.
now about finished, cost Sl,l68.OOO.
Contract already has been awarded
for construction of the various wings
to be added to the drill hall.
Space Problem Growing.
The space problem for United
States agencies is growing con-
stantly as Federal officials also seek
site for six temporary office build
ings to be built within the District
by the Federal Government.
These structures, planned for con-
struction on the Arlington Expert
mental Farm across the Potomac.
must be built inside the District. on
Federally owned land, according to
last-minute congressional changes in
the appropriation bill carrying con-
struction funds. No site has been
found for them yet, although off,
cials of the Federal Works Agency
and several other organiza tions are
surveying the possible locations.
In requesting the buildings, Budget
Director Smith said that, due to
defense activities, some temporary
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