American Federation of Labor Building facts for kids
|
American Federation of Labor Building
|
|
October 2014
|
|
 Location in Washington, D.C.
|
|
| Location | 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Milburn, Heister & Company |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002154 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 13, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
The American Federation of Labor Building is an important historical building in Washington, D.C.. It has seven stories and is made of brick and limestone. It was finished in 1916.
For many years, this building was the main office for the American Federation of Labor (AFL). This was a very powerful group that helped workers. The AFL used the building from 1916 until 1955. In 1955, the AFL joined with another big group called the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). Together, they formed the AFL-CIO.
The building stayed a union headquarters until 2005. Then, it was sold to the people who built the Washington Marriott Marquis hotel. Today, only the outside of the old building remains. It is now part of the hotel. In 1974, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important place in American history.
Contents
History of the AFL Building
The American Federation of Labor Building was built in 1916. It was designed by a company called Milburn, Heister & Company. At this time, the American Federation of Labor was very strong and had a lot of influence.
A Monument to Labor Power
Samuel Gompers was the leader of the AFL. He said the building was a "monument to the power of labor." This meant it showed how strong and important working people were. When the building was officially opened, even President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech. This shows how important the AFL was at that time.
Changes Over Time
The AFL used the building for almost 40 years. But after 1955, when the AFL joined with the CIO, they needed a bigger office. So, the Pipefitters Union bought the building. They used it as their main office and updated the inside.
In 2005, the Pipefitters Union sold the building. It was bought by the people who were building the Washington Marriott Marquis hotel. This hotel is very big and is the main hotel for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The convention center is right across the street.
Today, the inside of the old AFL building is part of the hotel. It now has a lounge, a fitness center, and some fancy hotel suites.
Building Design and Features
The outside of the old American Federation of Labor Building is now a part of the huge Washington Marriott Marquis hotel. You can find it at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 9th Street NW.
What the Building Looks Like
The building is seven stories tall. It is made of brick with special limestone decorations. The front of the building faces Massachusetts Avenue. It has five sections, including the original main entrance. The side of the building faces 9th Street and has eight sections.
The front of the building has four brick columns. These columns separate the windows into groups. There are also pretty limestone panels between the windows. At the very top of the building, there is a decorative ledge called a cornice. The bottom floor of the building is covered in limestone.
See also
In Spanish: American Federation of Labor Building para niños
