Kennedy, Jacqueline

8 pages (7 5/8 x 5 1/4 in.; 193 x 133 mm) on 4 leaves of blue White House letterhead, [Washington,] 5 April 1963. Accompanied by a one-page typed letter signed ("Jackie"), also to Warnecke, New York, 1 November 1983.

8 pages (7 5/8 x 5 1/4 in.; 193 x 133 mm) on 4 leaves of blue White House letterhead, [Washington,] 5 April 1963. Accompanied by a one-page typed letter signed ("Jackie"), also to Warnecke, New York, 1 November 1983.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Architect Jack Warnecke was enlisted by the Kennedy administration to design a plan for the redevelopment of Lafayette Square, a public park north of the White House, that would save the historic buildings surrounding the Square from demolition. Warnecke planned a contextualist design that incorporated new buildings with the old, which Mrs. Kennedy appreciated: "The square is perfect because you kept it as it was—but I would love to see all the designs of the big buildings behind as they near the final decision … I was so excited about saving the square—and I think it important they be marvelous in themselves (I am sure they are)—and they don't really have to harmonize with the square too much as how can you make a skyscraper harmonize with an old residential square."

Mrs. Kennedy also speculates about the site and design of her husband's presidential library (eventually designed by I. M. Pei), noting "I just passed Roosevelts library at Hyde Park … It was one story—& low & inviting like a house—Probably that is impractical for JFK's—but I would love it to be as much like that as possible—you could dig an enormous basement for files." Warnecke was asked by Mrs. Kennedy to design President Kennedy's gravesite.