Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-02-03
STOFFICE PLAN
MAY COVER A
!. BLOCK
IF THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE
PROPOSED ARE MADE AN EN-
~ TIRE BLOCK WILL BE
+ USED.

1t is proposed that the $500, 900 which was
appropriated by the United States senate
Wednesday and now awaits the action of
fthe house for additions and improvements
in the United States courthouse and post
roffice building in Atlanta shall be used in
extending the present building over the
entire block bounded by Forsyth. Mariet-
ia, Fairlie and Walton streets. The pres
ent building occupies only half the block,
which is divided by an alley. To accom-
plish this it will be necessary to acquire
by purchase or condemnation the balance
of the block now occupied by a hotel and
other buildings.
The property, it is stated, can probably
be obtained for a sum not exceeding
SIS, 900, leaving $325,OO0 for the alterations
and additions for the building.
Postmaster William H. Smyth. in speak
ing of the proposed changes this morn
ing, said:
Il am not able to say what these
changes and additions will be- as that is
matter which will be governed by the
supervising architect of the treasury de-
partment at Washington, who will give
the matter careful study in making the
necessary plans after the appropriation
has been finally made by congress.
%The present total square feet of floor
area for the postofice portion of the
building as II now stands is 1866. We
proper facilities to handle the large vol
ume of mail at present received and dis
patched from the office a floor area of
about 1900 feet, or double the present ca
pacity..
In the next ten years there will be re-
quired over 10000 feet. Estimating the
number of square feet required for walls,
partitions, etc, the building will cover a
total area of 5000 feet. The area of the
block is 10000 feet, so that the new build
ing viii practically cover the whole block,
giving sufficient space for an interior court
by which inside offices of the building will
be amply lighted.
81 can't say whether the style of archi-
lecture of the present building will be re-
modelled or whether the present designs
will be carried out in the reconstruction,
as that is a matter which will be decided
upon at the architects office. The present
building was designed by Mr.. Potter then
supervising architect of the treasury de-
partment, over 20 years ago. The building
was regarded at the time as a very great
advance over other buildings which had
previously been erected. Its general ar
chitectural features were favorably COM
mented upon by architects generally
throughout the country 1t was construct
ed by day labor under the supervision Of
the late Thomas G. Healey, whose repu-
tation as a builder is we'll known in At
lanta, and 1t is one of the most thoroughly
and solidly built buildings ever erected
by the government.
cit would, Of course, be better to con-
struct an entirely new building, as addi-
tions to old structures are seldom ever
very satisfactory, but as the present
building is too good to throw away or tear
down the additions will doubtless be made
upon plans which every necessary con-
venience for the proper handling Of pub
lie business requires