The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-16
Cleveland's Court of Honor.

The grouping OF public buildings now
assured In Cleveland not only sets an ex-
ample TO other municipalities, says the
Chautauquan, but IL reflects a develop
ment OF artistic sentiment which will be
set down 10 the credit OF the whole coun-
try There could scarcely be a more
welcome sign OF the times to those who
have been working and hoping for more
beautiful civic expression In American
cities.
Cleveland has taken advantage of an
unusual opportunity afforded by the fact
that It's growth TO the seventh place
among the cities OF the United States
demanded a number of new public build
ings; a federal building, county court
house, a public library. "A city hall and
others. The increased needs were recog-
nized at approximately the same time,
but the established buildings occupied
sites selected independently. as Is usually
the case. The proportions OF the task of
securing united action I'm behalf of group
ing the new edihces will be recognized
by any community which considers what
would be involved I'm such a problem II
II were TO be undertaken at home. In the
case OF the public library for example,
temporary quarters had TO be built for
a term Of years pending the selection of
site for group. Private real estate
interests, too. were involved. and the
option men were enterprisingly alert
United States authorities, county authorl-
ties, city authorities, and institutional
boards were concerned, and each had its
own point OF view Here s a fine exhibit
tion OF what public spirit can accomplish. .
so many diverse elements have been man
aged and aligned for an ideal OF public
beauty Locally. the group plan is said
TO have been first suggested four years
ago I'm private conversation between three
young men, one newspaper man, and
another member of the municipal So
ciety. Thereafter public sentiment was
constantly cultivated through many chan
nels. \ municipal art society was or
ganized IN 1892 tho chamber of commerce
among other activities, held public meet
ings addressed by famous architects. a
city hal commission conferred with the
representa- tives OF other boards. and the
exploitation of plans by architect and in
dividuals has been stock feature OF the
local newspa pers.
Lake View park Is a part OF the pres
ent park system. The union raih Dad
station near II must soon be rebuilt. and
10 Is expected that "A new station will be
so located that IL will directly connect
with the court OF honor. This arrange
ment. together with projected steamer
docks. will afford an unrivaled city gate
way The chamber OF commerce Is the
only existing building utilized. but the
new government building Is I'm process OF
erection on the same site occupied by the
old one. The site OF the new courthouse
az the other end OF the court OF honor
has been practically decided upon. Be
sides the buildings TO be grouped az pub
lie expense. a music hall, and one or
more semi public structures are I'm con-
temptation as a portion OF tho projected
scheme To make place for the court OF
honor--3G0 feet wide and twice ms long
and other proposed buildings. a section OF
the city popularity known as the tender
loin" Is to be acquired This change of
character I'm &C rowded section OF city
Of 10000 inhabitants is not the least Of.
the civic advantages 90 be gained by
Cleveland's group plan. The project in
wolves an expenditure Of about $4,000 900.