Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1881-04-13
COST.
Total expenditures to Jan. l. 1881, $6,922, ,Oo7 50
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.

A tendency exists in the public minC
TO seek to classify every considerable
architectural design under the head oI
some "order" or "style !" but modern
genius and taste deal so largely in
original adaptations ofclassic and other
forms that we often find no small
difficulty in deciding under which, il
any, of the heretofore established orders
or styles many of the most important
structures OF the present day can be
properly classed.
The architecture of the New Public
Buildings is Of this character. 1t Is
essentially modern in its leading feat
ures, and presents a rich example Of
what is known by the generic term Of
the Renaissance" modified and adapt
ed to the varied and extensive require.
ments Of great American munici.
pality.
1t is designed in the spirit of French
art, while at the same time its adapta.
ton Of that forid and tasteful manner
Of building is free from servile imita.
tion, either in ornamentation or in the
ordonnance Of its details.
This immense architectural pile is
located on the intersection of Broad
and Market streets, in the City of Phil
adelphia. 1t consists of single build
ing, under oncroof, occupying, inclusive
Of the courtyard, an area OF nearly
4 acres. The horizontal dimensions
OF the structure are n square of 428
feet, with added projections for con.
venience and architectural effect, max.
ing its extreme length 470 feet from
east to west, and 1861 feet from north
TO south.
The four fronts are similar in dc.
sign. In the centre of each an en-
trance pavilion, of SO feet in width,
rises TO the height of 2O2 feet 1OI
inches, Aanked by receding wings of53
feet in length by 12s feet 1Ol inches
elevation, and receding curtains 119
feet II inches high, 65 feet inches
long, terminating at each of the four
corners of the building with towers or
pavilions OF 81 feet square and 16l feet
high.
The whole exterior is bold and
effective in outline and rich in detail,
being elaborated with highly ornate
columns, pilasters, pediments, cornices,
enriched windows, and other appro.
pirate adornments, wrought In artistic
Iorms, expressing American ideas and
developing American genius.
The main entrances open through
he centre pavilions on the four fronts,
passages for pedestrians up
md down Broad and Market streets,
lirectly through tho basement story. |
Each of these entrances is 1S feet wide
md 36 feet high, finished with orna-
nented archivolts and richly sculptur.
ID spandrels.
In addition 10 the main entran ees
Trough the central pavilions, there
re two in each of the four corner
'avilions, communicating with each
Ioor by broad and easy flights Of stone
tairways, extending from the pave.
nent line TO the roof.
The basement story is is feet 81
nobes high, and stands entirely above
he line Of the pavement. Its exterior
} composed Of fine white granite of
massive proportions, forming a fitting
ase for the vast superstructure il
Imports.
The exterior of tho building, above
be basement, includesa a principal story
| 33l feet, and second story of 35
BET Z inches the centre pavilions
aving each an additional story of 20
'et inches surmounted by an attic
{ 10 feet, crowned with a massive
ormer window in marble, of 81 feet in
eight, fanked by marble caryatidcs
feet 6 inches high between cap and
ase, or 2l feet inches over all.
The third story Of the wings is "a
'Ot 3'inchcs high TO the top OF the
larble dormers, whilo the roof struc.
ire, rising with gradual curve from
le stylobate, gives an additional height
IL feet 3 inches, making the full
xterior height of this story Al feet 9
iches.
Tho third story OF the curtains,
hich connect the wings OF the centre {
nvilions with the corner pavilions, is {
feetb In. high 10 the top OF the marble