Evening star., 1949-05-24
Hospital Center Site
Al Naval Observatory
May Be Abandoned
Delay in Acquiring Lond
BIomed; GoIIoudet College
Troct Being Considered
By George Beveridee

!
delayed hospital center may bs
abandoned because OF the Ions
wait to acquire the land. 1t wa
learned today.
One hospital leader said num-
ber Of other sites already have
been viewed and that later this
week officials will inspect. as a
possible alternative. q large tract
Of land at Seventh street anc
Florida avenue NE, where Gal
laudet College Is located.
Congress provided for the new
structure more than two years age
to amalgamate the ancient build
ings Of GARFIELD. Emergency and
Episcopal Hospitals into one vast
completely modern institution
Estimated cost has been set al
about $40. .o00. 900.
Tydings Advises Start.
The new hospital originally was
to contain 1900 beds. but owing
mainly to increased construction
costs, consideration is being given
to reducing the figure to 1880
beds. or possibly less. 1t was
learned.
Because Of the dim prospects of
obtaining the Naval Observatory
land. between Massachusetts, and
Wisconsin avenues NV, within
the next few years. Senator Tyd-
ings. Democrat. of Maryland has
advised leaders Of the hospitals to
investigate other possibilities to get
an early start on construction.
The Senator. author of the Hos
pital Center Act. told q reporter
1t is his feeling that since Congress
authorized the project II there
is a need, it should be started"
The Right Rev. Angus Dun,
Bishop OF Washington. chairman
pro tenn Of q steering committee
representing the three hospitals,
said the matter still is up in the
air."
Some Still for Site.
He said the committee plans to
visit the Gallaudet property
Thursday. but he stressed that
some people believe the Naval
Observatory land Is the best site
and are still hoping for Its use. s.
Agreement two years ago To
build the proposed center on the
Observatory site met enthusiasm
on all sides. but tsle project has
been at virtual standstill because
Of presence Of the Observatory
The naval installation plans &c
move to mountain site nea,
Charlottesville. Va. but ofYiciai.
said recently the move probably
viii not be made for about three
years.
Until the move Is made. II was
explained. nearby construction
cannot be started because 1t would
affect delicate instruments Of the
Observatory.
Harry @. Hunter. assistant COM
missioner Of public buildings, said
schematic drawings of proposed
hospital sections are being drawn.
but that no headway on actual
plans can be made until the site
selection is definite. Only money
appropriated for the project 20
far. he said. Is about t2.300 900 for
plans.
Buildings' Situation Serious.
Discussing whether the project
can be put Oh until the Ohserva-
tory site can be used. one ofncial
pointed to the serious condition Of
hospital buildings, particularly at
Garfield The board there re-
Gently authorized limited repairs
TO keep the plant in operating
order until the move Is made.
William r. Castle. president Of
Garfield. said that while no con-
illusions have been reached. he
thought It essential that we look
at all the sites available
OF rrss-s~-y i--ss ortance In the
is the hospitals
e~sson in populated area. easily
accessible To patients as veIl o.
medical personnel. The land near
Gallaudet would meet this condi-
tion. he said. particularly In yiev
lSee HOSPITAL CENTER. A-e)