The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-22
BEAuTIFICATION OF MONUMENT

The suggestion that measures be taken to
limit the height of buildings TO be erected
hereafter On Circle street around the SOL
diers' and sailors monument should not
be allowed 10 pass without some action 1t
was made by the Journal more than a
year ago, but never received any attention.
Every month that passes without some
bility of permit being taken out by some
person TO erect "sky-scraper" on the Cir
Gle. as under present conditions this could
not be prevented. This danger is increased
by the erection Of the traction terminal
station on Market and Illinois streets and
by the steady movement of business north
ward
Monument place should be preserved as
the architectural pride Of the city. Tbs
monument and its approaches constitute a
feature unequaied in any other city In the
world. and 1t would be little less than
sacrilege, little short of barbarism. for the
city 10 allow these to be diminished or
marred in the slightest degree by anything
done merely for the promotion Of private
interests. At present the buildings on the
Circle present fair degree of uniformity,
and it should be the constant effort of the
city to improve on this. The erection of
one building several stories higher than
it's neighbors would destroy the harmony
of the place. seriously detract from the
majesty Of the monument and infiict a
lnf ha haa ptf ftr1 in ha
city that would have to be regretted for all
time.
The Journal is not prepared to say wheth-
er the city at present has authority to pass
an ordinance on the subject. The mayor is
inclined to think 1t has not. II not, ii ought
to have. Every city ought to have the
power to subordinate private interests to
public No European city would have any
difficulty in finding authority to act in such
a case Most Eastern cities now have or
dinances regulating the height OF buildings
and it is believed this is done under general
municipal powers. If it is competent for
a city to restrict the height of buildings
generally 1t ought to have power to make
special provision for a particular locality
or area But If the city has not power to
do this now. another session of the Legisla-
ture should not be allowed to pass without
obtaining it.
Beautiful as Monument place now is, II
could be rendered more so. 1t was part OF
the plan Of the late General Fred Knefler
who did more than any other one person tc
make Monument place what 1t now is. tc
ask the city to erect at all the street cor
ners around the monument large bronze
lamp posts corresponding in general ap-
pearance with those now near the monu.
ment. This would require eight-two at the
corners OF Market street east and west, and
two at the corners OF Meridian north and
south. This could be done at a cost OF
a few hundred dollars and would con-
tribute materially to the surroundings OF
the monument. In considering this and
other propositions for the Identification oil
Monument place it should be remembered
that the city has never as yet done any.
thing in that direction. 1t should take pride
In exercising special supervision over such
| a spot and In availing itself OF every op-
portunity to add to its attractions.