American Institute of Pharmacy Building facts for kids
American Institute of Pharmacy Building
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American Institute of Pharmacy Building in 2012
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Location | 2215 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, D.C. |
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Built | 1932 |
Architect | Pope, John Russell; George A. Fuller Co. |
Architectural style | Classical Revival, Beaux Arts |
NRHP reference No. | 77001497 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | August 18, 1977 |
The American Institute of Pharmacy Building is a beautiful and important building in Washington, D.C.. It is also known as the American Pharmaceutical Association Building or the American Pharmacists Association Building. This building is the main office for the American Pharmacists Association. It stands out on Constitution Avenue because it's the only private land in an area surrounded by government buildings and parks. In 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place worth protecting.
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Building History
The American Institute of Pharmacy Building was designed by a famous architect named John Russell Pope. It was finished in 1933. The building has one main story, but also a large basement that is partly above the ground. It is built with strong steel and brick. The floors and roof are made of reinforced concrete.
Design and Appearance
The outside of the building is covered with beautiful white marble from Vermont. It faces a wide terrace that looks out over the Lincoln Memorial. The building's design has a strong center part with smaller sections on each side.
The front of the building has one large, impressive door. This door is framed by tall, flat columns called pilasters. There are also big bronze lamps next to the door. Around the entrance, you can see special sculptures by Ulysses Ricci. These are called allegorical relief sculptures. They tell a story or represent ideas through images. John Russell Pope designed the building to look good next to the Lincoln Memorial.
Location and Construction Details
Because of its important location near the Lincoln Memorial, the American Institute of Pharmacy had to make special agreements. They exchanged and bought land with the government. This helped create open spaces around the building. It also allowed for 23rd Street to be made wider as it goes towards the Memorial. It was also specifically required that the building's outside walls be made of white marble.
Inside the Building
Inside, the building has a main round room called a rotunda. This rotunda used to have a small museum and a library. Today, these spaces are used as a board room and a reception area. The main offices are located at the back of the building. The basement was originally planned for laboratories, service areas, and storage.
The rotunda has a low dome on top. This dome rests on curved, triangular parts called pendentives. Light comes into the rotunda through a round opening in the center of the dome, which is called an oculus. The museum and library areas next to the rotunda get light from skylights.
Later Additions
A three-story addition was built onto the building between 1959 and 1961. This part was designed by Eggers and Higgins. It was made to fit in with the look of the original building. More additions were made later, between 2007 and 2009.