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Eugene B. Casey Foundation February 26, 2001 The Honorable Anthony A. Williams Dear Mayor Williams: The Eugene B. Casey Foundation would like to provide to the people of the District of Columbia an official residence for the perpetual use of its Mayors in honor of my late husband. The residence is to be called the "Casey Mansion". We hope the residents of DC will look upon it with pride as the residents of New York City look upon Gracie Mansion. It should be a beautiful, large, well-planned house with official entertainment areas, comfortable private family quarters, and guest rooms. The grounds and gardens should be planned ecologically and planted for low maintenance while providing a beautiful frame for the house and serenity and privacy for its occupants. To accomplish this a Casey Mansion Foundation was established to acquire property, and to plan and construct the residence. Its endowment will maintain the residence and grounds. A seventeen acre site on Foxhall Road, NW has been purchased. It is among the last, if not the last, great piece of property available for such a project. It seems fitting for the Mayor of Washington to have his home on a property so situated in the immediate neighborhood of the French, German, Belgian and Spanish Embassies and with great views of the City. The design phase will begin promptly. Your input will be necessary to assure both a beautiful structure and a functional one. We hope to begin construction later this year and have it ready for occupancy the fall of 2002. Mayors of the District of Columbia have been at a distinct disadvantage by virtue of not having an official residence where local, national, and international leaders can be received. The business of government is conducted on many levels not the least of which is social. Governments around the world learned that lesson generations ago. which explains why so many embassies have beautiful facilities designed to serve such purposes. My late husband was born and reared in a house in a section of the District of Columbia now occupied by government buildings. He loved Washington and would be most pleased to provide a home for its Mayor which would not be overshadowed by Federal buildings. He would also be pleased with the "Casey Trees" program which, under the direction of the Garden Club of America, will enhance the beauty of the City by replacing dead and missing trees. We hope the provision of a residence helps the Mayor carry out his Chief Executive responsibilities with dignity and Style befitting that important office. We also hope that both gifts provide a tangible benefit to each and every citizen of the District of Columbia and that you and the city receive the gifts in the spirit of honor and affection with which they are rendered. Sincerely, Mrs. Eugene B. Casey |
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