The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-03-30

We have often had it in our mind to notice
editOrHlly the new structure of the Merchants
National Bank Association on Exchange street.
The inclination to do so has REQUIRED each time
we have passed our new construction in re-
view. The feeling has grown upon to such
degree that it resolves itself into duty. 1t
has now become self-imposed obligation as
faithful journalists, to record our convictions
that this building for elegance of design, just
ness Of proportions, and beauty OF finish is
second to no other one of the many first-class
edifices which have gone up in this city during
the past six months as by the magic wand of
sorcerer. 4tc s,s..s.s. s.lr.5if .sl...
There is completeness about the front ele-
walton of this edifice which not only arrests at
tention and pleases the eye at sight, but salts
fes the mind and the most highly cultivated
taste. 1t is neither large nor imp osing, but
truly gem in its proper place. In the modern
italian style, and of the two contrasting colors
of freostone SO judiciously used that the ele-
gantly wrought work OF projecting parts in the
lighter shade are brought out forcibly, and yet
so pleasingly that the longest study and more
frequent observation only adds to ones desire
for another look and to ones pride in this hap
PLY executed ornament to our city 81
The interior appointments now in process of
construction, although incomplete, already ev-
idence perfect correspondence with the beau
tiful exterior. $3.50 i, 74 -1-aIa s3a4 a'e-3e l3'
The lower floor is to be occupied by the bank
ing company, which caused its construction,
our substantial Merchants National. The
second floor by the solid old Manufacturers and
1,raJoros No nh ~, front with tho Manbau;ou,
in the rear. On the third floor are several spa
cious and very convenient Offices Lea!
The stone of which the front is constructed
from the Ross Wallace quarries of Nova &c.,
tia, although but lately brought into notice, is
already recognized as one of the finest grained,
easiest wrought, the best and most durable of
freestone. The whole front was wrought in
st. John, n. b.. by p. Cormack, known through
out the Provinces as a skilful artizan and build
or. The stone was set in place by Joshua T.
Emery, one of the most faithful mechanics in
our city, and who has handled granite enough
to wall in the granite hills of New Hampshire.
The brick work was by Mr.. Knight, of West
brook, and the carpentry by Cummings g.
Brock. ''''s'i9 -Ae S"i'''' -
The building was designed by and erected
under the personal superintendent of Mr..
Matthew Stead, formerly a resident of New
Brunswick, now, we are happy to learn, a per-
manent resident of Portland, being architect
in the established firm of Anderson, Bonnell
s. Co., at whose office we have had the pleasure
of inspecting rare collection of truly classical
designs, for both public and private buildings.
Mr. Stead's designs for churches particularly
attracted our attention, as also a front eleva-
ton for a skating rink, the roof of which is
represented as covering an area Of over 10000
square feet, and is self-supporting, on an origi-
nal simple and perfectly practical design.