Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1907-03-22
NOT AN ARCHITECTURAL SUCCESS.

some weeks ago the Capital com
mented locally upon the architectural
defects Of the so-called New Naval
Academy the flatness Of its build
ings, outline and the altogether de-
fectiyc scheme of construction.
We, therefore, endorse seTiatim the
editorial taken from today's issue Of
The Examiner, and would emphasize
Brother Randall's comments ON the
subject that 1.-THE New Naval Acad
envy" is not an architectural success,
which fact is set forth herein:
The few nextmonths will see the
completion Of the New Naval Acad-
envy involving the expenditure OF
more than ten millions. The rebuild
ing Of this institution had become
absolutely necessary, and the achieve
ments of the Navy in the war with
Spain inspired Congress TO be liberal.
As an architectural success opin-
ions differ, but as one now views the
fun realization of Mr.. Flagg's design.
he cannot but be impressed with the
fact that the character of buildings.
the character Of material and the style
OF the architecture employed in this
great work leaves much TO be desired.
Viewed again from the economic and
practical side. ID is generally conceded
that great mistakes have occurred
which an architect with an eye to
the practical uses of the Institution,
should have foreseen.
From the very commencement of
the work, mistake followed upon mis-
take. The old colonial Governors
house which might have been al in
teresting part of the scheme, was
ruthlessly demolished. An armory
was built which lacks many impor-
tant features in its plan. and to bal
ance il, boat-house wing was con-
structed which had not at the time.
and has not now the slightest value
as such. Indeed it is now being de-
molished as a boat-house and recon,
structed interiorly for gymnasium,
an i'll suited substitute.
Bancroft Hall, the main building of
the group, apart from its architec-
tural defects, has proved failure
already as a domitory for the mid
shipmen, and the great dining hall
built under a plaza on the east front,
has been abandoned for that purpose,
until some scheme can be devised to
keep rain water and the tides of
Severn river from ingulfing it's occu-
pants.
The Chapel, so called, designed un-
like any other christian church, is
defective in IFS arrangement, Is lack
ing in seating capacity and is unpro-
vided with many of the essentials of
house of worship. The Superinten-
dant's house been condemned as a
residence for the executive of the in
stitution from the very first, is i'll
suited as such, and may be converted
at any time into hospital, a neces-
sary building overlooked by the archi-
tect in his general scheme of improve
ment. And so the arraignment goes
on OF every building constructed, until
one wonders how the architect can
face the music or can justly present
his bill for services.
Indeed a naval officer recently land
Ing at the Naval Academy. upon be-
ing shown through these great build
ipgs and learning that Ernest Flagg
was their designer. loosely remarked
what a pity Harry X. Thaw did not
Kill Flagg instead of Stanford White!m
While we cannot approve of this |
sentiment, we unite in very general
wish, now often heard. but alas too
late, why were not other architects |
than Ernest Flagg given an oppor-
tunity to compete in the design for |
this great national institutions