Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-12-28

ton HAIL, ana Ohkccs anu SURE
R-ooms-ERort to Organize a stock
Company.
The people of Wheeling are accus-
toned to new theatre projects which
make their appearance about twice a
year, but have hitherto amounted to
nothing for the reason that it has been
found impossible to induce capital to
back such an enterprise. Another
movement has been started, however,
which may result in filing a want
which has long been felt in this COM
munity. 1t appears to have been the
outgrowth OF the ract that Wheeling
needs, not only a new theatre, but also
a commodious convention hall for the
purpose of accommodating large as
semDlages.
Some days ago Mr.. George Laughlin
asked Architect Fred Faris to prepare
a rough outline OF a new building, in
ACCORDANCE with plans submitted by
him. Mr.. Faris did so, and his draw
ing was used by Mr.. Laughlin, and
Messrs. George E. House and w. E.
Stone, in circulating among business
men yesterday for the purpose of feel
ing the sentiment relative to the or
ganization of a stock company to erect
the building. The success of the move
ment depends upon the degree of sue
cess the committee will meet with in
its efforts to cur subscriptions.
The estimated cost of such a struct-
11vo &c il nntn0nn1ofo ic G1H0 000 IF
is understood that an offer of Sc, 1000 a
year rental for the theatre has already
been made. If the projectors rise half
the required amount in cash, it is un-
derstood to be the purpose to borrow
the remainder at five per cent. inter
est. The promoters are satisfied that
the building can be made to pay at
least six per cent. annually upon the
investment.
The site selected is the old court
house property at the corner of Chap
line and Twelfth streets, which has fig
ured in at least two other theatre pro-
jects which are now dead. The build
ing would be not only abreast with,
but ahead of the times. 1t would be
one of the finest structures west OF
Pittsburg, and ample for the needs Of
the community for years to come.
The proposed building would occupy
all the space now filed by the old
court house and yard. 1t would be five
stories high, with a height from the
street level of about 100 feet. 1t is pro-
posed to construct a modern ground
floor theatre, with store rooms front
ing on the street on the west and north
sides. The store rooms, seven in num-
Der, would be necessarily small, but
well adapted for certain branches OF
business.
On the second, third and fourth
floors there would be Offices, about 80
in all, and the basement of the build
ing would be constructed for barber
shops and Turkish bath rooms. The
main entrance to the building would
be on Chapline street, with a side en-
trance and theatre exit on Twelfth
street. At the Chapline street en-
trance there would be three large
arches, for the Office portion, the the
atre, and the theatre balconies re-
spectively.
The interior of the building would
be about 70x80 feet in dimensions, with
a modern stage having a 40-foot open
ing, 60 feet high. The chairs on the
lower floor would be arranged to pre-
vent the cramped condition of present
theatres, and to remove the necessity
for patrons getting up in their seats
to allow others to pass them. The
plans call for two balconies and eigh-
teen boxes, nine on each side of the
stage. The lower floor would have a
seating capacity, of 900, the first ball
cony 500, and .Ae second balcony soc,
making 1900 in all. All the walls of
the theatre would be deadened, to pre-
vent the noise from interfering with
persons in other parts of the building.
The entire top moor would be used
as a convention hall, with a balcony.
The seating capacity of the convention
hall would be 1000, which would ac-
commodate almost any State assem-
blage. The roof would be constructed
with a view to its possible use for a
roof garden and summer entertain
ments. Between the first floor and
first balcony the plans provide for a
Mezzanine story, in which would be
located a smoking room, ladies' par
lor, retiring and toilet rooms for pa
irons OF the theatre.
The entire building would be con-
structed of brick and iron, and made
as nearly fire proof as possible. An
elevator would be provided for the
Office rooms on the second, third and
fourth floors, and the convention hall.
II the projectors meet with the prop
er encouragement the plans will be
worked out in detail, and the building
will be erected during the coming sum-
mer.