By Bailey Edelstein
Compared to countries in Europe or Asia that are centuries old, the United States is 236 years young. While we don’t have the Pyramids at Giza, the Parthenon or the Coliseum, we do have a national treasure seldom publicized—the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). Located in Washington, D.C. on 17thSt. and Pennsylvania Avenue, this building is one of the most prolific structures on American soil. Tom Grooms, an author and architect who spends his life promoting architecture and design was commissioned by the United States’ General Service Administration (GSA) to write a book about the building. “Everything about it exudes quality,” Grooms said.
His book titled “Eisenhower Executive Office Building: Symbol and Legacy,” is a comprehensive study devoted to the history and architecture of such an unfamiliar landmark. “[This book] will illuminate a part of history that is unknown,” Grooms said. With 320 pages of entrancing photographs and engaging text, readers can delve into the history of the building and learn how it remains a symbol of democracy.
A patriotic view of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s façade, complete with 8-foot wide marble columns. Photo Credit: GSA.gov
At one point the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which takes up 3.5 acres, was the largest in the world.
Standing proud on 3.5 acres of land, the EEOB was designed by Alfred Mullett in 1871. After 17 years of construction, it was completed in 1888. “The full measure of a civilization is defined by its architecture,” Grooms said. From its mansard roofs, to its tiled floors and 8-foot marble panels, the building is characteristic of its French Second Empire-inspired style. Today, it remains an unbelievable feat of young American architecture. The building would cost more to tear down than to maintain.
“You would think that a grand building would have a grand entrance—but there is not,” Grooms said. “[The entrance has] four modest composite columns with Ionic and Corinthian designs going down the hallways.” However, there are spiral staircases with domes of delicately stained glass, which lead to even more ornate rooms.
The East Rotunda is complete with eloquent stained glass and marble tiles. Photo Credit: GSA.gov
Past occupants include President Hoover, Johnson and Nixon. Bright minds like Thomas Edison also had offices there, along with every vice president after Lyndon B. Johnson. “You start walking down the hall and you just can’t help—I can’t help but tear up—you almost can’t stop thinking about the incredible people who have worked there,” Grooms said.
A view of the interior style and design of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building which has 533 rooms, 50 of which have been restored since its completion in 1888. Photo Credit: GSA.gov
The Law Library (pictured above) is one of three ornate libraries in the building. Photo Credit: GSA.gov
To this day, the building still houses offices for the departments of State, War and Navy. “[The building] is representative of the best American architecture at that time. Representative of permanence, stability, quality—things we look for in our government.” After two-and-a-half years of research Grooms completed his book, which will be published in October 2013.
Reporting 2013 