Robert Dale Owen and Robert Mills drafted the requirements for the building. They wanted a medieval revival structure, a multipurpose facility with collection and exhibition space, laboratories, lecture rooms, libraries, living quarters and offices. The building committee (Robert Dale Owen, Washington mayor William Seaton, George Dallas, William Hough and Joseph Totten) issued a public invitation for proposals and then traveled to the Northeast to drum up interest. Architects had until December 25, 1846, to submit their designs.
