The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-09
The PostoGice Location.

To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal:
Citizen" in his article Of the eth inst.
gave, perhaps. all things considered. the
most thoughtful consideration of the pros
pective postoffice building that has been pub
lished. L apprehended that fair-minded
thinkers will contend with unanimity, first,
Tor not less than whole square of ground );
second. that the square chosen shall be as
free as possible from outside hazard to fire
or Objectionable proximity to other great
buildings; third, the location should be CEN
tral, and honest business sense and prudence
demand that the ground chosen shall, as
TO price, be reasonable. The appropriation
being small, as much as possible should go
into the building itself, for the structure is
not only for the needs of the present, but
should be of a character suited TO the needs
of the future; else, after another decade or
two of growth, the present shameful post
Office conditions Will come again. This can
be avoided by outstanding the money for the
structure, rather than putting it into the
most costly ground Any one may see at
a glance that If square is chosen where
on are large churches or other costly build
ings that must be torn down. such improve
mentS become waste, and their value is
50 much money lost to the government, and
So many churches, schoolhouses and other
good buildings lost TO the city. Is ii not rea-
sonable that these and many other kindred
points should be kept in mind in selecting
d location? Not only that the needs of the
present. but the increasing needs of the
future may be met, and wisdom justified
by her children" The square lying east of
Tomlinson Hall and bounded by Alabama
and New Jersey streets, by Market and Ohio
streets, presents many reasons for favorable
considerations. There are no expensive
buildings on this square to- be bought and
destroyed The loss of money in this direc-
ton would perhaps be minimum OF waste.
The ground of this square is not so eXpen-
sive at present as squares bordering Unlyer-
sity Park or the Statehouse. 1t is estimated
by fair-minded persons that the whole
square could be bought for $S2sOyO, much
less than half the lowest estimated cost OF
the square south of University Park. Cit
ZEN wisely suggests that this square Is
nearer the center of the city, east and west,
than any other yet suggested 1t is just
about the same distance from the old post
office that the other locations suggested are.
The monument is the center of attraction
among public structures-unique. command
ing. The StatehouSe, west OF II. Is imposing
and should stand alone as II does. III the
postoffice be loca ted to the east of the monu-
ment on Market street, on the square sug-
gested the great buildings of the city would
present uniform line OF attraction OF rare
artistic setting and beauty. Thus Market
street would become an attraction. The con-
gested business condition between ILLINOIS
and Pennsylvania streets would be renewed
and business would be distributed along
Market street and yet not discovered from
Washington street.
The postoffice should be looked upon as
a business building. As such 1t has no log
ical connection with a park; indeed, Its loca-
ton would rather detract from than be an
advantage to University Park. The Art
building might wisely seek a location con-
tiguous to the park for various reasons, or
quiet cleanliness. freedom from the great
noisome volumes of smoke emitted from
hotels and big business buildings
Another thought worthy OF consideration
with the East Market-street Location Is tnaI
the pride of a city is her public buildings,
not only in their fitness and completeness,
but in their impression and effect upon the
minds of visitors. Let 1t not be forgotten
that this is the capital city and that large
and intelligent tide of visitors is almost con-
stantly coming and going. Thus civic dis
plays and professions would pass on Market
street i'm a five-square walk such an impos-
ing display of great buildings and archi-
tecturai design as would awake in the mind
a lasting and noble impression ever elicit
ing admiration and favorable comment.
This and much more. We believe, would be
enhanced by the location suggested. Let US
consider the present and future
p. A. FUTURE.
indianapolis. March s.