The record-union., 1891-02-22
BUSINESS BUILDINGS IN SACRA-
MENTO.


BUSINESS BUILDINGS IN sACRA-
MENTO.
The principal complaint that has been
made against Sacramento in the matter
of appearances has related to the absence
of architecturally handsome business
structures. That it has been well taken
will not be controverted. With but
few exceptions our business streets have
not been pleasing to good taste because of
the low character of most of the fronts,
their pioneer and unsubstantial appear
ance, and the very little care taken to
make them even cleanly.
The system of post-awnings that has so
long prevailed in this city has contributed
largely to the squatty appearance of our
business fronts. Within comparatively
brief time, however, there has been much
of reform in this matter. The post-awn-
ings have been steadily coming down,
and cement or asphaltum walks have
very largely displaced the old wooden
ones. Many business house fronts have
been remodeled, and the new structures
have all been modern in style and more
or less imposing.
Notably has this been the case with the
building erected by the California State
Bank, than which, for its size, there is
not handsomer or more substantial
building upon the coast. The Hale Bros.
IL Co. block has very nearly matched the
elegant Odd Fellows Temple upon the
opposite corner. These are bat two in
stances of many that indicate the change
that is going on, and which must gain in
momentum and Importance as it pro-
ceeds. The erection of the Federal build
ing on X street will go far towards stimu-
lating the building spirit in all that re-
gion, since each new and architecturaliy
important structure serves the more to
dwarf the oldstyle buildings near it.
The remodeling OF the old Postof1ice
building, the changes effected in
/ the Masonic Temple block, in the
Western Hotel 'front.', in the building
fronts ut Third and streets,
Second and J streets. Fifth and J
| streets, Seventh and streets and
at other central business points have all
| had an important and early visible influ-
ence upon general architecture on the
business streets that is very gratifying.
They all indicate a feeling of permanency
and confidence in the city, and this has
given encouragement to owners of realty
and has served very greatly to loosen the
purse strings of capital.
| What is needed in Sacramento is more
decided and emphatic manifestations Of
this progressive spirit. We are moving
forward and upward, but with a de-
cidedly slow motion. However, it is
progress. Not retrogressive, and that
this is true is signified by the investment
of large capital in the new business
building of WeinstocI;, Lubin Il Co., now
in process of erection at Fourth and X
streets. Elsewhere in this issue that firm
presents to the public large engraving
of the building as it will appear when
completed.
The structure, as will be seen by the
| engraving, will be the most imposing
State, and the largest one devoted to the
uses of one firm of merchants. Archi-
tecturally it is unlike anything in this
country, but not unlike some noted
models in the old world. In the respect
that it's interior will be one vast room
| from floor to roof, surrounded by three
rows of galleries, it will be a decided
| novelty.
| But the fact of the erection of such a
massive building, covering nearly a
quarter of q block. taken in connection
with the other fine buildings recently
erected, and still others projected of
which we are advised is one ofespecial sig
nificance and Importance 1t means that
the old and dilapidated business build
ings are to rapidly give place to struct-
ures that will SO transform the business
| streets of Sacramento as to remove the
| reproach that has so long attached to the
city. It means that the settled and per-
| manent conditions are to be evidenced,
and that the address of our business sec
tions to the stranger is to be such as will
impress them truthfully and satisfacto-
rily with the commercial importance of
the place, and the confidence of business
men in our advantages as trade depot
Let us encourage this spirit of improve
ment, and make whatever effort we can
to hasten the day when the last of the old
rookeries that now pass for business
buildings will exist in tradition only.
THE DAY.
That there is not on Washington's
birthday more general observance of the
anniversary in the way of ceremonial,
has been by the many regretted. But it by