Burnham had initially designated it as the National Library. Construction had commenced early in the 1920's and  continued sporadically, for monies allocated to the project never seemed to be available to it.  When the building was half finished, it was decided, or rather decreed, that it was to house the legislative session halls and offices. The national library, unable to complain, would be allowed to occupy the basement.  The building, indeed the whole area, had a neo-classical grace and dignity.