Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-13
METZERoTT's HALL.
Inspector Entwisle Says He Can Give As
sursnce of Its Safety.

Inspector Entwisle Says He Can Give As
surance of Its Safety.
Building Inspector Eutwisle had a long talk
with reporter Of The STAB today concern
ing the safety of Metzerotts Music Hall
Among other things he said:
''As there has been considerable criticism as
to the safety of the Me.zerott Hall, which is
very damaging to the owner and his building
and all concerned. think il but proper TO give
full description Of it, rs personally superin-
tended its construction.
"When the plans for this building were first
So admitted TO this Office they were rejected and
upon an appeal from this Office the plans we're
modified as suggested by Col. Robert, the then
Engineer Commissioner, and the permit issued.
When the building was wrecked by the cyclone
Of November z3 1891. and the question
agitsted shout that time to the safety Of
buildings for public sssemblage, the plans
were recalled and requirements made in
creasing the width and number of exits.
After full consideration Of the
plans by the Commissioners and the
plans redrawn, ms fixed up by the Commission
ers, the permit WAS issued in accordance with
the modihcst,ons. This building being for
hall, with no stationary or movable scenery did
not come under the theater regulations restrict
ing the auditorium to four feet In height above
the sidewalk. At that time the 18th street exit
was changed from twenty-ope feet in width to
twenty-five feet, the two sfairwsys from YES
tibule to main, floor aggregating the same
width, the four exits leading into street
building, and the three fire escapes were pro-
vided FOR and the permit issued by order Of the
Commissioners. The building 10 constructed
in a most substantial manner. The heating
boilers are under the z street building. 1t IL
lighted by electric incandescent There Is no
fire open light in the building. All the tim
Der in the building has been treated with fire.
resisting material. The aisles have been
widened and the seats placed the dls-
lance apart as required In the theater
audience may feel satisfied that they are
in no danger from fire, especially as the four
exits provided to pass into the F street build
ing from both the main and gallery floors into
a hall extending over both stores capable of
holding the entire audience, with q stairway
leading to street. The steps complained Of
as too steep are Of the usual rise and run, being
TX inches rise aud IL inches run, and
when provided, Is has been ordered, with
three on the fight east from the vestibuls and
two on the flight to the south, this assistance
will aid materially in the safety of their use.
II was unfortunate that Mr.. Metzerott's en-
gsgements forced him to open the house before
il was fully completed. The exits to the
street building were not ready for use. no hand
rails stairs. the permanent fight of steps east
from the vestibule. the seats and aisles not in
proper position. Itscondition ut the opening and
plants and criticisms. From INV knowledge of
the building. by frequent inspection during its
progress, feel that I can assure the public
that they can, ~ soon ~ the permanent flight
Of stairs is placed and the handrails on them,
occupy the hall and feel and be perfectly safe. -