Without the tree, the Dell seemed to many the perfect spot to construct a library.
"The new site sort of revealed itself. It's an area that no one had really thought much of," said Edward L. Keenan '84-'85, the director of Dumbarton Oaks.
The previous design had already received approval from the first of four city boards when the designers discovered the spot in The Dell.
"Once we stood on the site, there was no question that this was a much better place," Keenan said.
Dumbarton officials must now begin anew the arduous process of seeking the city's consent. First, they'll make a presentation to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.
"I'm pretty optimistic," Keenan said, noting that former project opponents are now supporters. He said he was recently hailed in the street by one of the erstwhile protestors who wanted to shake his hand.
The library will be still be connected by tunnel to the estate's main buildings. And since the building will be mostly above the ground, there will no longer be any difficulty in providing sufficient light to the rooms.