The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-08-01
sDled
THE NEW BUILDING.

| LIE NEW DOlHDlNO.
pErAus or IT'S coNsrRUcrroN-ARcnu
TEcruRAL FEATuREs
| HS art IN It's various manifestations is
L considered the glory OF civilization
any public acknowledgment OF It's worth
in places where II has been appreciated
only by the individual should be heraldcd
with Joy. Such an acknowledgment is
now made for the first time in our state,
by our oldest aud largest city, in the cree
tion Of building TO be devoted entirely
to art, and under the care OF men and
women who deeply feel the need OF greater
artistic advantages for the people.
| This new art museum or Detroit Is un-
doubtedly one Of the most imposing struc-
lures In the city, and without rival I'm its
style OF architecture, which is late
Romanesque II is built OF a light colored
sandstone from the stoney Point quarries
near Jackson, Mich. The color was happily
chosen TO avoid any appearance OF gloomi-
ness IN the massive exterior. II is rectan-
gular In form, 03 feet In length, 80 feet in
depth, and occupies one side OF a lot
which will some day become an enclosed
court by the extension Of the museum.
The principal feature is the jefferson
avenue facade, which is two stories high,
with small central gable, and is flanked
at each end by high round tower. These
towers are alike in construction, with
windows following the ascending curve Of
the stairways, the richly ornamented third
stories OF the towers rising from project
ing, sculptured cornice, and surmounted
by false arcades OF stilted arches which
rest on slender columns; over all are sim
pie conlcal cappings surprising by their
full hight the roof OF the museum.
These towers are already appreciated by
those who are weary OF the general
: monotony OF town architecture, for they
stand out against the sky as most pleasing
and picturesque objects. They are con-
ncctcd by massive entrance porch con-
sisting OF flye larg c arches surmounted by
a friese-at present unsculpturcd-and a
rich cornlce, the whole mass being sup
ported on artistic pillars formed Of clus-
tered shafts OF polished red granite, each
shaft having It's own sculptured cubical
capital.
A corbel table OF stilted arches forms
raound the upper part Of the second story
a well proportioned string course which is
broken at the northern angle by one OF
towers, and In the center OF the main
facade by two small turrcts which frame
a deep niche in the high, pointed gable.
Within the porch are three doorways,
those at the extreme end leading 10 the
stairways, the central one leading TO a sort
Of yestibule which opens into the long
sculpture gallery. This gallery extends
the full length OF the building. Its walls
arc carefully constructed TO receive the
heavy weight OF casts and marbles, and
the decoration OF light terra Gotta color is
intended to enhance the beauty Of marbles
aud casts, and soften the effect OF the
light which Is admitted from the sides
Red oak is used throughout the build
| ing for window easements, wainscotting
and all the wood work excepting the pol
ished floors.
The second story consists OF one large
we'll proporioned room, which Is espe-
cially arranged for pictures and therefore
Is skylighted. II has deep cornice and
low wainscotting, the entire space be
tween this being sealed with pine over a
facing OF very porus tiles, and hung with
linen velours Of a soft olive green tint,
which contrasts agreeably with the
terra Gotta fresco Of the stairways. These,
by the way, are peculiarly constructed,
seeming 20 project from the wall without
support on the outer edge. In reality the
stones are intor-lockcd, and each one
firmly supports the one above, 10 that
there IA no question OF their strength,
while they add by their iightness OF con
struction TO tho beauty OF the interior cf-
fects
And 10 whom the honorf Not 10 citi.
zen OF the United States, but 10 a Scotch
man living in Canada ''Honor,n how.
ever, ITO whom honor Ia due" Out OF
many good plans submitted, this by Mr.
James Balfour, OF Hamilton, Ont, was
chosen by the committee as the most salts
factory and the praise already accorded II
must crafty all who are interested In the
work. Let us hope that the great purpose
which lies back OF this ilret step will not
be forgotten In present content, but that
from this center may radiate a high and
noble influence that shall be recognized
and felt throughout the state.