The Norfolk weekly news-journal. (Norfolk, Neb.) 1900-19??, 1907-03-29
OMAHA ARCHITECT TO REPORT
atenser Will Give His Opinions to
\ Board This Week.

eG. Salisbury of Omaha, represent
ing John Latenser of Omaha, who it
is claimed is the foremost architect
of school buildings in the west was in
Norfolk Saturday evening and Sunday
morning inspected the burnt high
school building at the instance of the
school board, who had requested Mr.
Latenser to send a representative to
Norfolk. Mr. Salisbury, who is a re
tired contractor, visited the high
school building Sunday morning and
discussed the situation with members
of the board He did not make pub
lie statement but will report his find
ings to Mr. Latenser, who will send a
written report which should reach the
board by next Wednesday.
information Wanted.
The information which the members
of the school board expect to obtain
from Mr.. Latenser's report may be
summed up in the following questions:
What Is the condition of the present
building as it stands? What would be
the cost of erecting a colonial style
building about the size of the present
building? What salvage from the old
building could be applied to the con-
struction of such building?
1t is claimed for colonial style
building that it affords much more
floor space and can be more econom-
ically built than a building with an
irregular outline. At the same time
it could be constructed along modern
lines advanced in the last fifteen or
twenty years. 1t is also claimed that
the lighting, heating and ventilating
problems could be more easily met in
putting up a new building. The ques-
ton that is asked is, can such a build
ing, equally presentable to the eye,
be built for nearly the same price that
| the old building can be rebuilt? Those
who think that the question can be
answered in the affirmative say that
no small part of the cost Of the old
building is represented in its tower
and numerous angles On the other
hand against such an answer has been
urged the valuable salvage represent
ed in the foundation and standing walls
of the old building.
The special meeting of the board
was held Saturday evening at the Of
fee of Mapes & Hazen. All members
were present save Secretary Matrau,
who had been absent from the city.
Mr.. Stitt's Statement.
Architect ]. G. Stitt of Norfolk who
designed the old high school building
quest of the board. Mr.. Stitt had ex
amined the building and at the request
of the board made a statement as to
its condition. He said that the foun
dation and all exterior walls standing
of the first story were perfectly safe
in fact were in good condition. These
walls are sixteen inches thick.
portion of the second story walls he
thought were safe, but as a margin
: for safety they might be taken off
The value of the salvage standing wa:
considerable but If the material was
: taken down he said the value would
greatly dwindle.
!, Mr.. Stitt informed the board tina
the high tower on the old building
was not in a safe condition. The up
per portion should be removed. HI
also advised the board to have the rub
bish about the building cleaned III
and as much salvage saved as pos
siole. The board voted to follow on
his suggestions in both instances. TIL,
big chimney still standing will also b,