Pan American Union (Organization of American State - View this location on map Home of the world's oldest international association, founded in 1890 to foster cultural and commercial ties among the Western Hemisphere republics; focal point of Washington's diplomatic and cultural activity; widely considered among the city's most beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings; among the first major buildings implementing the McMillan Commission plans for monumental extension of the Mall; first major commission in architect's distinguished career, won in an early nationwide design competition; construction largely funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie; occupies former site of the Van Ness Mansion, a commanding location on the Ellipse at Constitution Avenue; square in plan, organized around tropical patio; four-story, hip-roofed main pavilion housing ceremonial rooms, flanked by two-story office wings, set amid ample lawns and gardens; marble facades exhibit symbolic blending of North and South American expression; triple arcaded main entry, classical details, terra cotta roofs, iconographic sculpture, ornamental bronzework; stately interiors with extensive artwork; originally Bureau of American Republics, established at the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington in 1889-90, renamed Pan American Union in 1910; built 1908-10, Paul Philippe Cret, and Albert P. Kelsey, architects; Gutzon Borglum and Isidore Konti, primary sculptors; Blue Aztec garden and 2-story arcaded annex pavilion completed 1912; reorganized as Secretariat of the Organization of American States in 1948. 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington , DC Historical

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