Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-02-08
Commission Makes Report to Legislature
in Favor Of Cass GiIbet's Plan
Final Cost Estimated by Architect at "a Little
More Than Five Million Dollars
Construction to Extend Over Many Years
and State Officers Not Disturbed

81 Vi the EhIITG Uullul0B WQeQ IulIy
| reconstructed Finally program
was adopted and December IT, 1904,
three sets of plans We're submitted, all
contemplating the construction of an
entirely new building, the competing
architects uniting in the conclusion
that no part of the present structure
could be utilized. The plans so re-
ceiyed We're numbered in the order OF
their reception, Nos. l, 2, and 3. No
name was attached to any plan, nor
given in uhy way to the commission.
but a sealed envelope containing the
name of the author accompanied each
plan, which envelope was placed in
the custody of the secretary of the
commission. AMI remained sealed until
after the award was made.
In choosing an advisory architect to
aid the commission in choosing a plan
the commission obtained from each
competitor a list of names of archi-
tects whose selection would be salts.
factory. The name of w. S. Eames
of st. Louis, president of the Ameri-
can Institute of Architects. appeared
on two lists, and upon consultation
with the remaining competitor he an
nounced himself as satisfied with the
appointment Of Mr. Games, and the ar
rangement with him was completed.
Mr.. Eames came to Madison and
spent three days in examination of
the plans and grounds and also re-
ceiyed a letter of instruction from the
commission.
Mr.. Eames Reports.
In an exhaustive report to the com
mission Mr. Eames says:
The present building is askew
with the entire city, a most confusing
and unfortunate condition, inasmuch
as it destroys the dignity of the build
ing and distorts the important sur
roundings in such manner as to pre-
sent a most painful effect. All three
of the competitors have realized this
fact, and point out the Importance of
having the dome coincident with the
center of the square and on the axis
Continuing Mr. Eames says relative
to the estimated space and cost as
made by the three architects who sub
mitted plans:
No. /, 8,O37,2 71 Gu. f., at soc
........S2, 100000
No. ?, 9.593,227 GU it, at CSC
= 900, UUU
No. 3, 1873, $50 Gu. #. at 33c
...... ....S So, 40A S
"The estimated cost as furni /
by all three competitors will Pre- c
most substantial, durable and or, IT.
able structure, but in my opinion a
building of this Importance should
have expended upon it enough to pro
vide suitable interior decorations and
fittings, and this could certainly be
done within the cost of Acc per cubic
foot.
after a most careful and consci-
entious examination of the designs
submitted it is my conclusion that the
one to be favored by your commission
is the design entitled No. g."
The execution of any portion of this
design, says Mr.. Eames, will be
toward "a final development of a state
capitol building suitable for the pres
ent as well as for all future needs so
far as can be reasonably appreciated.
The design lends itself with peculiar
aptitude to successful construction
of its several parts, each being sub
stantialiy complete in itself, so as to
serve the purpose of its design before
the completion of the entire structure,
3;$~~s