Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-02-08
CLASSIC AND BEAUTIFUL
OUR PROPOSED CAPITOL

hAanaeA4
in a manner that will result in the ere
alton of a whole that will appeal to
the layman and the expert as a schol-
arly and masterful solution of the
problem. Portions of the present
structure can be utilized only in a tenn
porary manner during the progress of
development and until the ultimate
completion OF the new structure The
arrangement of The rooms as regards
conyeniences and accessories is most
satisfactory and ingenious, and it viii
be found that the isolation of the vari-
Gus departments by means of public
and private corridors, as indicated in
this plan, is superior to any structure
of its class. Externally the building Is
entitled to the highest commendation
in proportion, massing, architectural
treatment, and practical reproduction
of the design CT the present dome, and
should meet with the approval of all
persons who are interested through
sentiment or association with the pres
ent structure.
The extension of the three princi-
pal wings of the building further than
shown by the designs of the other
competitors, Mr.. Eames thinks, is
distinct advantage in making a more
direct and quick access to the build
ing from the sidewalks. and the vac5 n =
or unoccupied spaces of the square Of
fer ample opportunity for artistic
parking and landscape decoration The
commission must bear in mind the
fact that the execution of any of the
designs submitted in competition will
necessarily involve a complete change
in the character of the block on &C
count of the removal of the trees al
the substitution of an entirely differ
ent treatment of the landscape.
Mr.. Ealles suggests that it would
be "unwise for the commission to feet
restricted to the use of building ma
terials obtainable only from Wiscon>
sin. The tendency of patriotism to
control the action of the legislature
in relying upon resources of their re-
spective states has resulted in a large
number Of perishable and inartistic
buildings The motive that should
actuate the commission having charge
of such an important undertaking
should be to secure the ablest archl-
tect, the most responsible contractor
and the very best materials to be had
in this country, even importing from
other countries such materials as oar
resources do not provide
The relative merits of each design
We're determined on the basis of 100
points as to each significant feature
specified n the -ogram. On this
basis the Gilber, design scored a
marking of 50 points, that of H. {.
Koch & Co. of Milwaukee 10 and the
third plan 67.
The members of the commission, N
their examination of the various plans,
not only availed themselves OF the
services of Mr.. Fans, but also con.
suited with members of the joint com.
mittee on the new capitol appointed
by the legislature, as well as with a
considerable number of senators and
assemblymen as opportunity offered,
and with other citizens, and as
the result of their own thought ana
study SO aided, the commission indie
pendently arrived at the same conclu-
sion as that expressed by the consult
ing architect.
The commission. therefore, on Janu-
airy 27, decided the Gilbert plan was
the most meritorious plan, and The
Koch plan was second in order Oh
merit, and made its awards according
". After rc4cl. 1g this conclusion
the sealed envel pes containing the
names of the competitors were opened,
and it was .uo:nd that Gilbert was the
author of the successful plan ana
Koch e Co. of the plan deemed next
in the order of merit. This conclusion
was reached by unanimous vote OF
the commission.
In accordance with the terms or
the competition the two uns dccessful
Plans were Immediately r-turned to
their authors, and the successful plan
was kept as the property of the state
High Praise for Gilbert.
In this connection the commission
called the attention of the legislature
to that part of the program regulating
the competition and declared thai
we believe that no building of its
I'VE believe mat no building of its
Tilted States that is better arranged
for ITS purpose, nor more artistic ana
euucative to the citizens of state.
We know that for tue amount of
money expended no sta tie has secured
more valrs in its capitol building.
Minnesota is indebted for this result