Capitol Campus

Summer House

Stewardship of the Capitol Campus
 

The Architect of the Capitol serves as steward of the U.S. Capitol Building and all related facilities on behalf of the Congress. A recent project demonstrating this important role is the AOC-led renovation of the Summer House located on the West Front Grounds of the Capitol. 

The AOC is restoring many features of the Summer House that was first completed circa 1881 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who developed a comprehensive design for the Capitol Grounds that is still followed today. Olmstead included the Summer House in response to concerns that visitors to the Capitol could find no water nor any place to rest on their journey.

While today’s visitors have more options to find food and shelter, they can still visit this beautiful and historic respite.


Capitol Campus Overview

The Capitol complex encompasses 16.5 million square feet of office space, and 450 acres of grounds. More than 30,000 people work on Capitol Hill and nearly 3 million visitors tour the Capitol yearly. The Office of the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the vigilant stewardship of more than 30 buildings and leased spaces located both on the Capitol complex in Washington, D.C. and in remote facilities. 

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