The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-20

=, connection with the discussion of
the distressing inadequacy of the accom-
rnodations provided at The Virginia penl-
tertiary for the number OF prisoners
confined in that prison, and the agitation
all over the State with a view to some
addition TO the present buildings or 1Ae
building of an entirely new plant, some
dissertations of prison buildings Whch
11s,,e recently attracted the attention of
the architectural world VIII DC ot III
tercst-
PROBABLY the most complete and thor
oJghly lIp-to-date prison now being punt
in America is the new Toombs prison III
course of erection i'll the cry OF New
Yori- The new portion is connected
with the old Toombs prison, situated on
Centre Franklin and Leonard streets,
which has been a noted landmark Tor
-ranerations 1t was built in the carly
DAVIS of Colonial times, ana IS oil LSEP-
fian architecture. In it have been con-
lined many OF the most noted criminals rim.
1t is known. not only throughout the
United States, but in Europe as well, ana
Is second only TO the London Tower anc
the Newgate of old England.
The roombs has undoubtedly confined
more prisoners than them both when
built its interior WAS thought To lie a
model, hut il has Itlived its time many
wears and has been an actual disgrace
10 the city Of New York for a long time
The cells were small and dark, and the
officials quarters were anything bHt
commensurate with the Importance OF
The second city Of the world.
BEST IN THE WORLD.
Ii is th., intention OF the city To rebuild
The entire structure. one wing is nearly
completed. and will present when nm
ished. ii Is said. the finest prison equip
,nent in the world. The cell work and
executive department are after new mod
els. carrying out the latest practical ideas
regarding the administrative equipment
of an institution which has 10 care for
about Goo inmates daily.
3. The steel plate paneled cells have
z grated trausoms and track boxes for the
sliding doors. The cells will not only be
absolutely safe against escape. but VIII
be light and cheerful, well ventilated,
and with the latest sanitary appliances
5f'hcy are 50 constructed and divided into
apartments that their tenants Will he
cared for with a minimum number of at
tcndants- Such safeguards are provided
as viii give the largest possible security
10 attendants as we'll as the prisoners.
The new wing viii contain eight stories
Of cells, with forty on each story. There
VIII be four bathrooms TO each story,
IpakinG thiTty-two bathrooms III the
new wing. Each section of ten cells viii
, have its OWN private bathroom The
i ssbElQlnE exceeds any pIhef prison III the
United States by at least three stories
Each story is supplied with elevators and
dumb walters. When tins wing is COM
pIeted II viii involve about - per cent.
Of the work anticipated in entirely re-
building the whole structure
The cells in this building are arranged
back TO back win an observation cor
rl3ur intervening. a broad exercise cor
rider entirely surrounds the cells, i!le
ccl structure being. a. ii were, built up
within The shell q the outer walls OF
1he prison.
y MODEL SPECIMEN
one Of tho most handsome and COM
-,Iete examples Of prison architecture in
America Is ;iae State penltentiaEy for the
ANestern District of PENNSYLVANIA. sit
uated al AlIeghany. Pa. All the blEsi-
FnSs are warmed and ventilated on l4he
most approved system. consisting OF
blowing and exhausting fans, radiators,
etc. The cells are fitted with the most
perfect sanitary appliances known 10
prison construction. The entire plant IS
9ufit Of stone, brick Snd steel, vita an
s. ron and slate roof ard IS strictly fire
& proof. The total length If the buildings
81 LOIS Zee; front The north wing IS 80.
A eel long by 6f feet w.da BY one story OF
ss7 feet high 81 the clear, VITA basement
tory under the entire structure. II con-
ss aims Gao cells in the center Of lite build
rigs, Will. corridors around the cells ana
sSSA vent corridor between the cells, which
rs tre arranged IN two rows. back TO back.
M Five hundred and forty Of these cells are
Fss feet wide by Z feet loag. and one hun