St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-08-24
Ih0npson,s Bl0ck


IhOUps0n,s IstOcEs
On Broadway, at the corner of Eighth and
Ninth Streets the new block erected by Mr..
II. E. Thompson, is the fairest and most
graceful exponent of combined stores and
apartments or 'fats" as they are called east;
in the northwest 1t is a three story and
basement brick building, 70 feet deep by 301
feet long, the entire building with all floors
covering an area of "a, $50 square feet, the
attention given to the health and comfort of
tenants is surprising; the ceilings are on the
upper floor II feet high and the
lower floors IA feet high. The
building will accommodate fifteen
different tenants on the store frontage.
The structure is divided into five different
buildings with fire walls between each. The
location in view of the rapid ard phenomi-
nal growth of that portion of the city, we be-
lieve to be frst-class for business, and mer-
chants who embark in business here, from
the density Of population thereabout, should
meet with fine trade. Regarding the two
upper floors for living purposes, We do not
believe they could be excelled; everything
ledge of the demand of "roomers'' suggests
has been supplied each of the five buildings
has a large skylght which admits flood of
light and sunshine. There are about $50
rooms, all with windows and opening onto
halls the Railways are wide and
commodious, and shafts for venti-
lating will be found on every floor,
inc III rbo
tire building is heated by steam and in
| many rooms open CRATES in addition are at
the service of tenants Each Of the $50 up
stair rooms are provided with closet, and
many rooms have private bathrooms and
stationery wash-stands connected with them.
In addition to these the building possesses ten
general closets in which are all necessaries
and large sink for the use of all, while an
elevator five ia all provides for the raising
and lowering of freight in the building. Re-
/ gartling the front rooms, each room on the
frontage possesses porch and in many of
the front rooms the windows particularly
| possess cathedral glass that gives a soft,
pleasant tone to the light, con-
nected with the porches or balconies
| are iron fire escapes In front
as well as a number at the back OF building.
| In fact, the entire interior finish and equip
! mcnt Of the Thompson block is superb, es-
| pecially when taking into view the purposes
for which it was designed. In each hallway
an electric bell with push button communi-
| Gates with a large and handsomely fitted res
taurant, which will be placed centrally in the
| building so that tenants who desires meals
in their room can be accommodated. On the
whole, we can say positively and with perfect
1 safety, that this edifice is the finest general
store and combined apartment building in
this country, outside New York and Chicago,
and the day is not far distant when its quiet
precincts will swarm with large and happy
| population, little thriving popular city in
itself, as it were.
We came near forgetting brief mention
of the attractive and we may say thoroughly
beautiful frontage of the building This
would have been an injustice to the architect
and the public, as we are quite sure that no
facade in ST Paul is so thoroughly harmo-
NOUS and pleasing. The grace and attrac-
tiveness of the building will without ques
tioa excite favorable comment from all who
see it, and we can recommend it as study
of the pure modern architecture without
name which prevails so largely at present. a
mixture or modification, We presume, of the
old Doric and Ionian with a dash of Gothic
and the so-called renaissance. 1t is most
decidedly happy combination, and comes
from the Office of our talented young archi-
tect, Mr.. J. ". Stevens, in tn: Davidson
block, on Jackson street.
G. J. GRANT, 81 EAST NINTH STREET.
1t would hardly be fair, in view OF the pub
lie character of a daily journal, not to men.
! 1. (. II
raising any building in this city which is
credit to us, and We take pleasure in inform
ing the public that the gentleman above
named, Mr.. G. J. Grant, has had on hi
shoulders all the responsibilities connected
! with the mechanical details and construction
of the Thompson block. The foundations
the masonry, the carpentry, and in fact al
building, have been under his con
, slant aud watchful care. Twenty-si,
years have ripened and widened hi:
experience and all things have been don
, well. In 1850 he began business here, an
now in 1884 $50 men have been drawing pa
weekly. BE possesses the capabilities an
knowledge to take contracts and erect pub
a lie buildings, mercantile blocks and privat
: residences, and has erected some Of the lar
cest buildings in the Northwest. The FRS
National Bank stands in sharp and honor
able contrast to many of the buildings re
E Gently erected and this, together with til
Thompson Block, viii be enduring records Q
= his skill. his integrity and familiarity Wit
: his profession. which is as honorable as tb
study OF the stars or the geographical phase
i of the earth
5 The scribe IN collecting notes for this art
ele was forciLiy struck By the vast amount {