Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-03-28
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margin" for the whole project.
5. A great part of the new
east fronts interior expense is
required to maintain the clas-
steal character of the Capitol,
with its wide corridors. arched
ceilings, cornices, wainscoats,
columns and ornamentation.
These requirements, the archi-
tectS say, are so far removed
from the construction of a
modern, functional Office build
ing that cost comparisons are
ridiculous.
The architects concede that
space-if that we're the only
matter involved - certainly
could be provided somewhere
else for less than Sol million
But it isn't the only matter
involved. And Congress speci-
fically has directed that the
additional Capitol space it
wants be provided in the long
planned east front extension.
Another Approach
In a report to House Speaker
Rayburn, chairman of the
congressional commission di-
recting the extension, the asso-
ciate architects also use an
arithmetic approach to answer
their critics on the costs Of
space. 1t goes like this.
Suppose. they say, that the
east front simply is reproduced
in marble at its present loca-
ton, and is not extended at
all. That alone, they say.
would cost more than $4.750.-
900. So subtract this amount
from the SOL million because
it would have to be spent in
any event if the old front is re-
produced in marble. Then also
subtract the $1.8 million for
contingency items and for the
improvements proposed in the
main central part Of the Cap
Iitol.
That leaves $3.5 million as
the amount estimated for all
the interior work within the
extended east front.
Thus" their report says.
"for $3.5 millionaire amount
allocated for items not involved
in a refacing program-the Con-
gress can, without danger to
the building, come into possess
sion of 1880 square feet of
net disable floor area. of which
$4,000 square feet is choice
Office. committee and dining
space"
At a cost of $3.5 million,
70, 500 square fet of space fig
ures to a cost of less than $45
a foot. a price comparable to
similar space in the new Senate
Office Building.
Some Deny Need
This line Of reasoning, of
course, is based entirely on the
assumption that the east front
will be reproduced in marble.
regardless of extension. And
some extension opponents, con-
tend no such reproduction is
necessary. Other opponents.
however, have suggested it.
And the architects hired to
plan the extension insist that
something drastic must be done
to preserve the east front
facade. and soon.
What is the need for addi-
tional space in the Capitol?
In a report to the extension
commission last year, Capitol
Architect j. George Stewart
said studies showed a need for
139,250 square feet of new
disable net space" of which
1880 would be provided in the
east extension. The architec-
tural consultants proposed that
the rest be provided in an ex-
tension Of the west front. as
part Of a suggested long-range
program of Capitol improve
ment.
The space estimates. it was
understood. largely reflect the
views of present occupants of
the Capitol about expansion
needs. On this basis-although
officials won't say so--it is pos
sible that some of the needs
have been overstated. But there
is no doubt that a considerable
amount Of new space is needed,
as is evident from overcrowded
conditions in virtually every
office, committee room and di-
ming area.
Suggestions offered
Two suggestions made by the
extension opponents are tl1at
Cd some activities might be