Palace of State: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building

by Thomas E Luebke (Editor)

Towering over the White House, the colossal granite Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) was first constructed to house the departments of State, War, and Navy in the nineteenth century, and it now serves as the home of the Executive Office of the President. Having outlasted decades of plans threatening alteration or outright demolition, the building survives as one of the foremost examples of Second Empire design in the United States.

Palace of State details the building's rich architectural and historical legacy -- from the beginnings of federal civic architecture in Washington to its construction as the world's largest office building after the Civil War, and culminating in the recently completed restoration process that began in the 1980s. Featuring beautifully rendered architectural drawings, historic images, and lush contemporary photography, this illustrated history presents a comprehensive study of an iconic landmark that continues to serve in its role as a monumental setting for statecraft.

Genres: Architecture

272 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2018

Reviews

[Sue Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a PBS program about this building and was intensely interested, so I requested this book from my local public library. Hooray for public libraries. It was inter-library loaned to me, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Filled with the history of the building beginning with its start and finally completion in 1888 with distinctive architectural style. It was constructed to house the Dept. of War, Navy and State. As those agencies grew and changed, they outgrew the building; it was discussed to tear it down; and then under Pres. Reagan it was begun to be refurbished and restored to become an Executive Office Building. The excellent photographs show the building as a whole, its beautiful rooms, pre and after restoration and the incredible grounds so close to the White House. I would love to tour this building, but currently the public is not admitted. So I will have to be content with the pictures.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved looking at the ornate pictures of this building and learning about the history of this 19th century office building. It is well worth checking out just to look at the crazy amount of detail work done on all six surfaces of the offices.