The
Russell Senate Office Building (left) and the Cannon House Office
Building (below) are a set of non-identical neoclassical twins that
provide a uniquely visually appealing background for the United States
Capitol.
Both
buildings are the oldest of the congres-sional office buildings, as well
as fine examples of the Beaux Arts style of architecture. They were
constructed after the turn of the century to relieve the overcrowding in
the Capitol. Previously, House and Senate members had to rent quarters or
borrow space if they wanted office space. The prominent New York
architectural firm of Carrere and Hastings was retained for construction
in April 1904. Thomas Hastings oversaw the construction of the House
Office Building while John Carrere took charge of the Senate Office
Building.
The
Russell Building was occupied in 1909 by the Senate of the 61st Congress.
Rapid growth over the next 20 years resulted in an addition, the First
Street Wing.
In 1972,
the building was named for the former Senator Richard Brevard Russell. The
Russell Caucus Room retained its original 1910 benches and settles (long
wooden seats with high backs) decorated with intricately carved eagles.
The room has been used for several significant hearings on matters such as
the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, Watergate in 1974, and the nomination
of US Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991.
The Cannon
Building was occupied in December 1907 by the 60th Congress. The House
outgrew the office space by 1913 and 51 rooms were added to the original
building by raising the roof and adding a fifth floor. In 1962, the
building was named for the former Speaker Joseph Gurney Cannon.
Both
buildings were designed with the Capitol in mind so as not to compete
visually with the main building. They are connected underground to the
Capitol by passageways. Upon their completion, the Cannon and Russell
Buildings became classic models, copied in the city of Washington, DC as
well as around the country.
The Cannon
House Office Building is located at Independence and New Jersey Aves., NE.
The Russell Senate Office Building is located at Delaware and Constitution
Aves., NE. Both buildings are open to the public during normal office
hours while Congress is in session. For more information on touring the
Capitol Complex, please call 202/225-6827. Cannon Metro stop: Capitol
South; Russell Metro stop: Union Station.
