Cannon House Office Building
Where John Sansom's office is located
The Cannon House Office Building, completed in 1908, is the oldest congressional office building as well as a significant example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture. It occupies a site south of the Capitol bounded by Independence Avenue, First Street, New Jersey Avenue, and C Street S.E.
Of special architectural interest is the rotunda.
Eighteen Corinthian columns support an entablature and a coffered dome, whose glazed oculus floods the rotunda with natural light. Twin marble staircases lead from the rotunda to an imposing Caucus Room, which features Corinthian pilasters, a full entablature, and a richly detailed ceiling. The Cannon Building was occupied during the 60th Congress in January 1908.
By 1913, however, the House had outgrown the available office space, and fifty-one rooms were added to the original structure by raising the roof and constructing a fifth floor. In 1962 the building was named for former Speaker Joseph Gurney Cannon.
