THE PLANNING OF WASHINGTON.
Washington is ambitious to become " the world's most beautiful capital city," and, what is more, is working actively to realize this aim. Most American cities, as is natural in the rapid development of a comparatively young country, " just growed," and their growth was determined by industrial rather than aesthetic considerations. Washington had advantages from the start. First there is the natural beauty of its situa- tion, and secondly it is one of the few American cities deli- berately planned. Thirdly, as the seat of the Federal Govern- ment, it is provided with public buildings in whose appearance as well as uses the nation wished to feel legitimate pride. And Americans are proud of Washington. At the same time they are not blind to certain imperfections, for instance the mediocre building in the historic Pennsylvania Avenue itself, while many of the approaches to the city, through straggling suburbs of more recent growth, are not prepossess- ing. Construction has now been begun on new Government buildings which will, with other improvements, transform Pennsylvania Avenue. Comprehensive plans for the improve- ment of the approaches to the city are also being carried out, the first stage in the work being the construction of two new bridges across the Potomac, one completed, while the second is approaching completion. In addition, the unsightly shacks which greet the visitor arriving at Union Station Plaza are to be demolished, and a Capitol Parkway is proposed. -
Previous page
