WASHINGTON -- The design of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, unveiled Wednesday, is intended to reflect both the presidential formality and Western informality of its namesake, the architect says.
'There's an informal formality about the whole composition,' architect Hugh Stubbins told reporters at the official presentation of his design, 'which seems to me to be appropriate to a president who is formal at times but likes to be informal.'
The 115,000-square-foot complex is U-shaped with a mission-style exterior, topped with Spanish tile and built around a 150-foot-square courtyard. It will be situated in the foothills above the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, Calif.
Stubbins acknowledged the tile roof will help the library blend in with the nearby campus. But the choice of materials and single-story design also are reminiscent of the rustic ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif., where the Reagans have spent many vacations since moving to Washington six years ago.
'It seemed fitting to everyone, especially to me, that a building with a Western flavor would be best for honoring him,' Stubbins said.
Described as modest with an air of formality lacking at the mountaintop Reagan ranch, Stubbins said the building 'is one, we hope, that reflects the personality of the president' -- even to the point of having a fountain surrounded by a trough 'that you could use to water a horse from.'
When Reagan saw and approved the design, Stubbins said, 'He said: 'I really like it. It gives me nostalgia for the ranch.' Then somebody reminded him he still has two years in office left and better not have too much nostaglia for the ranch.'
Unlike other presidential libraries, Stubbins said only about 10 percent of the space will be devoted to exhibition areas for tourists, including a First Lady's Theater that will serve as an orientation room.
The rest of the complex will be used by researchers and Stanford. Two climate-controlled basements will serve as archives for Reagan's official papers and computerized facilities to use that material.
Stubbins and project manager Fred Hummel, who served as state architect for California during Reagan's years as governor, said the library is expected to accommodate 300 to 400 visitors a day, with hours running from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to minimize traffic problems in the area.
However, homeowners in the area contend the facility will attract upward of 1,000 visitors a day and be inconsistent with the pristine beauty of the area.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, overseen by longtime friends and political associates of the Reagans, is in the midst of a $100 million fund-raising effort to finance an estimated $26 million in construction costs and other expenses.
Groundbreaking for the library is expected late this year. Stubbins said construction is to begin in the spring of 1988 and be completed sometime after Reagan leaves office in January 1989.
