Existing comment:
Dedicated to Governance: July 4, 1908:
Work on the building's superstructure got under way during the summer of 1905. The building was originally scheduled for completion in the fall of 1907, but delays in several stone shipments pushed the completion date to the summer of 1908.
On July 4, 1908, District officials dedicated the building. The Washington Evening Star reported that the ceremony included a twenty-one-gun salute, fireworks, patriotic speeches, and music provided by the Marine Band.
Although referred to as the District Building in several appropriation bills of 1908, the building was never so named by statute. In 1994, by authority of DC Law 10-69, it was formally named the John A. Wilson Building.
The Wilson Building is the official seat of government of the District of Columbia. In the early days, the building housed not only the offices of the Mayor and Commissioners but also all divisions of the city government. The police department, tax offices, and even the city's laboratories were located in the Wilson Building.
"As an eight year old, in 1981, I first remember going to the District Building to hold the Bible for swearing in of John Wilson. I was so impressed with the building. It was the most beautiful building I'd seen in my life."
-- Derrick Barnes, John Wilson's godson, The Washington Times, November 20, 1995
A Renaissance Architect's Far-Reaching Influence:
John A. Nevius, Chair (1972-1975) of the Appointed Council, wrote to the editor of the Washington Post in 1976, "Our District Building is a prominent reminder in this country of the influence of the master architect Andrea Palladio. Italian artisans executed its exterior sculptures as well as the plaster ceiling ornamentation on its ceremonial rooms." The District's seat of government is in fact practically a replica of Palladio's Palazzo da Porto Festa.
Chronology:
1928:
The Federal Triangle Act mandated a major Federal building program of imposing design. The demolition of the District (Wilson) Building in order to provide another site for a near Federal building or a park was anticipated under provisions of this Act.
1931:
US Senator Hiram Bingham (R-CT), chair of the Senate DC Appropriations Committee, acts of avert demolition of the District (Wilson) Building. The Senator says he is moved to act by letters from students and the public.
1938:
President of the Board of Commissioners, Melvin C. Hazen, announces selection of DC flag design and orders flag to be flown daily except Sundays) at District (Wilson) Building (October 15). |