Evening star., 1946-03-27
War Memorial
Initial Design
Is Completed
Commission Hears
Plans Tied In With
Lost War Structure

mOrlal TO Cne DlSCrlcC OF Columbia s
1000 war dead has been completed
by Frederick H. Brooke, Washing
ton architect, under the auspices OF
the District Department of the
American Legion and has been
taken under study by the Fine Arts
Commission.
H P. Caemmerer, commission
secretary, said at the close of a
commission meeting yesterday he
could not release pictures of the de-
sign, but described 1t as being tiled
in" with the World War Memorial
south Of the Rejecting Pool in West
Potomac Park.
He said Mr.. Brooke's design called
for two peristyles (curved rows OF
columns) at the north and south
sides Of the present memorial
separated from the present struc-
ture by an open space.
Library Design Approved.
The commission yesterday ap-
proved the design for a branch
public library on Fairmont street
near Seventh street NV, but quail
fed its approval by announcing II
would consider the design further
when working drawings have beef,
prepared.
1t also approved revised plan.
for the new Reconstruction Finance
Corp. Building at Connecticut ave-
nue. and H street. As now approved
the building will remain at the
zoning limit Clio feet plus q 20
foot setback or penthouse.
Revisions in the plans approved
consisted of changeover from
brick to limestone construction on
the fronts facing H street and
Connecticut avenue.
The 130-foot height is at vari-
ance with the wishes of the Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning
Commission, which has asked the
building be lowered 10 80 feet plus
a 20-foot setback.
Extra Space Needed.
Mr.. Caemmerer explained that the
Fine Arts Commission feels that
since the Lafayette Building at the
east corner of Lafayette Square
vermont avenue and H street, il
100 feet and since the RFC needs
the extra space, the additional
building might well be the same
height.
The entire border of Lafayette
Square falls under the Shipstead.
Luce Act, which vests authority ir
the Fine Arts Commission to pass
on the design, building material
ETC., Of buildings proposed for areas
in which it is considered essentia
that certain beauty and dignity
be maintained. Whether the act
supersedes District zoning law
however, has never been put to test
The commission yesterday con.
ferred with representatives of thu
armed services on the design o.
campaign medals for the American
European and Pacific theaters o.
war World War II. To date rib.
bons representing service in thes.
theaters are the only decoration
worn by servicemen. Congress las
year authorized, however, thai
medals should be struck.
Fighting Front Memorials.
The commission conferred with
members Of the American Battle
Monuments Commission on plan.
for monuments on the SIS fighting
fronts where American service mer
and women fought World War. II
The President recently authorized
the commission to start work or
planning all United States wal
memorials outside United State.
territorial limits.
The commission gave tentative
approval to locating along thu
Potomac Park water fronts replica
Of the statue of Lief Erickson pre-.
hsented to Iceland in 1880 by thi.
country. The statue will be cas-
from the original model made BY
A. Stirling Caldwell, the sculptor
The commission also discussed
design and landscaping details fol
proposed improvements for the Ma.
tional Airport and approved severa
works Of art recently added to tn,
Freer Gallary collection.