The sun., 1889-11-07

Robert street, the thorough are upon
which stands the new Pioneer Press building,
is destined to become an artery in the
business district of the city, Centrally To-
Gated as it is, it enjoys the farther advantage
of its connection with the principal bridge
across the Mississippi river The location of
the building at the corner Of Robert and
Fourth is peculiarly convenient, as all parts
of the city are about equally accessible,
both as regards the commercial area and
the residence districts. Although
substantial business blocks are
roundabout, the new building towers above
them like a giant among pi9mes. Looking
upward from adjoining streets, it's topmost
story seems to be reared in the clouds and
it's massiveness suggests the work of Titan.
It's most marked quality is that it never
wearies the spectator, Its regular lines and
symmetrical from grow with gazing The
first two stories are of St. Cloud granite cut
in massive blocks. Upon them are laid the
walls of pressed brick of dark rich shade.
The whole structure is in the style of the
modern French renaissance so as to produce
the highest artistic affect and is q lasting
monument to the architect. s. s. Beman.
When the tenth story is reached
GRACEFUL ARCHES
surround the windows, and a story higher
small arches resting upon those below,
curve over the windows, thus relieving the
SUalu RIGHTLY Oh In6 III is only
when one enters the monstrous portals that
one realizes what wonderful structure it is.
1t seems like going to another world-into a
region which is a city in itself-beautiful in
it's construction, wOndrous in it's teeming life,
enchanting in it's varied attractions. Be-
meath the giant arch of the entrance, re-
lieving in it's solidity by carving of simple
yet effective design, the bronze storm vesti-
bule with it's plate glass sides is encoun-
tered. Then a way is pushed between oaken
valves and the vestibule is reached. I'm
mediately inside the doorway are flights of
white marble steps leading to the right and
left and meeting over the entrance to the
rotnnda. The entire vestibule is all of the
same white marble with tracings of gold in
chaste designs At either side are candelabra
with branches on which electric lights are
held, making an evening view of dazzling
white Above, the ceiling is of sheet steel
finished in dead white, relieved only by simple
and regular designs executed in the rich gold.
The motif is daring and unique, yet absolute
" beautiful when executed with the consum-
mate taste and skill which has been displayed.
1t is pure Italian from the severe simplicity
of the balustrades to the futinss and orna-
mental holdings elsewhere visible. The
vestibule is filled with light that pours
through the great rose window over the
doors. In q framework of brass and nickel
are set beveled plate glass leaves; clear as
air and rejecting the sparkling of the en-
casing frame. Above, at either side, large
windows filled with plate glass look down
from the counting rooms on the second
floor.
step more through the oaken partition
doors and one is within the inner passage
facing the elevators and the
court. At each side of the entrance are
marble news and cigar stands. at the right
is side entrance to the counting room, q
large, bright and airy apartment on the
Fourth street side. Here are located the adver-
tising and subscription departments. Near
the main entrance is the secretary's Office
with it's handsome partitions of oak and
translucent glass. The long and beautifully
carved public counters, the partition, the
,, office furniture, in fact all the woodwork is
constructed of antique oak, which glistens
from the polish it has received. Within the
space reserved for business are the conven-
lent desks OF the employees. Near by is the
well lighted file room of the advertising de-
partment, with spaces for bound volumes
and lockers for the issues of the eur
rent month. In the rear is the handsome
private Office of the superintendent ofand cir
| culation. Returning to the inner passage
and passing between the double sets OF elev-
ators, the immense rotunda beyond is quick
| ly reached. This gigantic, shaft, thirty-six
| feet square and twelve stories In height, upon
which the corridors open and which furnishes
| light and ventilation throughout
the building, gives the Specta-
| tor on idea OF the immensity of the building.
| 1t is only when one stands on the glass floor
and looks upward at the arching skylight
and many stories, tier upon tier, that he is
touched with awe ut the
SEEMINGLY LnfITLEss AREA.
of space. Passing along marble corridors to
the rear Of the building, an iron stairway is
found leading to the basement A way is
easily followed to the furnace roon in an ad.
| joining building where battery of four
| Butman boilers of 1875 horse power
| each furnish heat, steam and power to the
dependent colony of tenants. An artesiail
| we'll flowing at the rate of 800 gallons q
minute furnishes all the water needed. The
| light from skylight in the roof makes the
| boiler room comparatively pleasant place
Retracing ones step to the rotunda, the ele.
| vators are the subject Of interested exami
nation as they fash up and down at the
rate of 300 feet aminute. Iftravel demands,
they can double the speed, but MS it is, the
4 visitor reaches the top story far more quick
| " than he who climbs the stairway to the
next floor. Two ofthe elevators will eventu
ally run to the floors above the fifth, while
the other two will attend to the service be-