The herald., 1895-10-04

the broad freize. 1t is very properly OF
t'iain design so as to give effectiveness to
sne FEATURES which surround it. 1t is
proken at regular intervals by three clrcu-
lar lookouts. each with a setting OF class
ical tracery which is in harmony with
| the general composition.
The most conspicuous feature OF the
facade is the pure Corinthian cornice. 1t
is elaborate in design and sufficiently
massive to appropriately crown the
whole. Above rises the parapet to con-
siderable noight, broken at its center by
an entire sol panel in high relief. The
whole is surmounted By an deliberately
designed acroteria which forms an appro.
pirate finale to the composition.
The ffectiveness of the adornment OF
the front is greatly heightened by the
fact that all decorative features are pro-
jeoted within the extreme limits OF the
building, and at their right and left ex-
tremities are returned upon themselves.
BY this device the autonomy OF the de-
sign can not be interfered with in future
by the erection Of ad jacent structures.
Though the decorative features of this
facade are the result of professional de-
sign bv the architects. the unique COM
position Of salient features are the result
of Mr.. Ford's wide stuuy and observa-
ton. Primarily the main facade is
copy of this same feature OF one of the
buildings of the Pope Man ufactnring
company, and which was designed by
Mr.. Ford S intimate and lifelong friend,
Colonel Pope, the head of the great bicy-
Gle firm. The essential changes are oaly
such es are demanded by the require
ments of great dry goods EN- porium.
INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING.
The interior arrangement and appoint
ment OF the great building are all That
years of careful study, close observation.
discriminating taste, judgment OF utili-
ties and unlimited means can produce.
The arrangement is such as to afford
the most speedy and convenient
transaction of business and to afford to
patrons the greatest convenience. Con-
trary to the usual custom the elevator
shaft is placed in the geometrica center
ofsthe building. This arrangement affords
the most ready communication from all
parts of the various floors. This feature
is supplemented by ample stair routes at
the rear.
In general. the interior may be Divided
into four departments. Under this CLASH
fication there would be, in their order,
the following: The basement, retail de-
partment, occupying the two lower floors;
the manufacturing department and the
wholesale department, occupying the up
per floors. OF course this division is not
entirely sat- sfactory, as it does not in
clude the executive nor the receiving and
shipping departments.
The two lower floors are destined to
arouse the greatest interest. as they are
the portion of the building set apart to
the retail departments. Here every
known accessory which subserves tie
speedy transaction of business and the
convenience and comfort of the public
and of the employees has been supplied.
The main floor contains the endless ar.
ray OF shelves, counters and show cases
required for the great stock OF goods.
HhA 49, .kA- : IL 81
in front, which is fianked by the immense
display windows upon either side. These
latter alone are large apartments, and
are Lighted by the largest plates of glass
in Southern California. The portal is
fioored IN brilliant tiling, upon which
the firm name is conspicuously inlaid.
Light is supplied to the interior by two
immense light wells situated at intervals
along the axis of the building, before and
after the elevator shaft. Artificial light
is provided fur by the presence of 600 in.
candescent electric lights grouped upon
the columns and suspended from the bor-
ders of the light shafts. The retail facil
ties provided are all that long experience
and thorough knowledge OF the require
ments of the trade can suggest. The de-
partment for wrapping bundles and max
ing change occupies conspicuous posi-
ton at an elevation in the center of the
first floor 1t IS contained IN gallery
which is supported upon brackets, and
which surrounds the elevator shaft. To
it from innumerable stations on this floor
the cash and bundle carryi ing devices ars
connected. The latter is the finest sys-
tenn contained in any retail es.ab lsh-
ment in America. 1t is the first institu-
ton which contains an all-silver system
to be inaugurated in the world. Upon
this floor is situated the general business
office of the firm, the office of the general
manager and the vaults.
Tho aacopd AoOr contains tho clook
drapsry and millinery departments, the
apartments for the display of delicate
fabrics under gas light and the ladies'
parlors. The latter are fitted up in
sunptuous manner. being provided with
every possible accessory that can yield
either om fort or convenience. A hand
some mante is the chief feature OF this
apartment while upon every side are
choice draperies, luxuriant couches, easy
chairs and handsome rugs. Connected
with the parlors are lavatorles, mes
senger CALL public telephone service and
the intercommunicating telephone sys-
tenn which traverses the building. A
handsome center table contains at all
times supply OF stationery for the use
OF patrons.
The floors above are devoted to the re-
fitting department and to the wholesale
trade. One unique innovation is the pro-
vision made for the display of samples
by travelling statesmen. The Wholesale
department is separated from the floors
below by the interposition of elaborate
glass settings in the light wells. From
the lower floor this feature is specially
attractive, shedding as it does a trans
lucent radiance in all directions. The
second story level OF the light wells is
surrounded by an artistically designed
ba ustrade.
;: Especially noticeable in the structure
is the provision made for th conven fence
of employees. Separate lavatories and
retiring rooms are provided for both sex
es oh all floors, while the ladies are pro-
yded with a handsome lunch room.