Formation of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association George Washington Masonic National Memorial

model of george washington masonic national memorial in 1922. model shows clear differences in design of tower , landscaping final building.

corbett planned three-story memorial temple topped three-story tower. first 3 floors (which constituted temple , base of tower) built in neoclassical style, while tower variation on setbacks popular in modern architecture. structure built entirely of masonry, no metal used in construction (except reinforcing rods in concrete). rationale decision building constructed purely of stone permanent structure possible. firm of osgood & osgood of grand rapids, michigan, consulting engineer. daniel e. moran (of firm moran, maurice & proctor of new york) designed building s foundation; gunvald aus structural engineer; firm of clarke, mcmullen & riley (of new york) mechanical engineer; , carl rust parker of olmsted brothers landscape architect. general contractor percy cranford co., actual masonry work done samuel miller co. (both companies located in washington, d.c.).

corbett s initial design memorial 200 feet (61 m) high. corbett drew inspiration restoration of lighthouse @ port of ostia antica near rome. first floor occupied main hall colonnade on either side , clerestory windows, @ of large statue of washington reside. historic murals painted on walls. right , left of main hall large meeting rooms (one use of alexandria-washington lodge , 1 use other masonic bodies). left of main hall there small room contain replica of original masonic lodge room in washington himself had presided.

additional details , apparent design changes revealed in july 1922. although building still 200 feet (61 m) in height, press reported building built in greek , romanesque revival styles , constructed of white marble , white concrete. atrium of building (as first floor main hall called) slated contain space along walls used grand lodges memorialize prominent members, while rooms around atrium dedicated various masonic appendant bodies (jurisdictional bodies, social groups, youth , women s organizations, etc.). plan called second floor used art gallery museum, , museum not honor washington other famous masons virginia. memorial still intended house washingtoniana , contain replica of original alexandria-washington lodge s meeting room.

a major revision memorial plans made in february 1923. gwmnma approved constructing building entirely of granite (rather marble , concrete), change increased cost of structure $3 million. including landscaping , endowment, total cost of structure had risen $4 million.

these plans revised , elaborated on again april 1923. memorial stand 330 feet (100 m) high. atrium on first floor specified 45 feet (14 m) wide 80 feet (24 m) deep. clerestory windows, hall 60 feet (18 m) in height. meeting rooms still surround atrium. second story, 45 60 feet (14 18 m) in size high ceiling , extensive windows (to let in large amounts of natural light), still slated house washington museum. purpose of third floor not yet agreed upon. tower above third floor contained observation deck forming seventh , ultimate floor @ top of tower. new plans specified terraces lead front steps of memorial down street below. cost, however, still budgeted $4 million.

the final major change in memorial came in 1924. height of tower had been decreased @ point 280 feet (85 m). in february 1924, architect corbett raised tower s height 330 feet (100 m).