Excavations unearth window designed by Washington
Those excavating the site discovered the foundation wall Monday when they broke through a 19th century basement floor. After checking plans and measurements from historical records, Jed Levin, an archeologist with the National Park Service, said Tuesday, "We're now certain. It's the bow window."
Architectural historians say the curved window that expanded the house's State Room was a model for oval rooms in the White House, which was being built in Washington, D.C., when Washington and Adams lived in Philadelphia in the 1790s.
"It's the prototype of the Oval Office," said Douglas Heller, an Independence Hall Association board member.