New-York tribune., 1907-06-30
STEEL USED IN MEXICO.
Great Nezc Theatre and Public Build
ings Going Up an Merico City.

struction of buildings in Mexico was unheard OF
only few years ago. 1t was believed by some
persons buildings of structural steel could not
withstand the earthquake shocks that are OCCASION
ally felt here. This theory put to severe test
in the seismic disturbance. 1t is stated that
not the slightest damage done to any of the
steel structures already erected and IN course of
construction here. The fact that Mexico is built
upon what the bed of a lake also led to
the conclusion on the part of some persons that 1t
would not be possible 10 obtain secure foundation
for heavy steel buildings. This theory has also
been dissipated by the men of architectural and
building science who have had charge Of the con-
structon of these buildings
The National Theatre building. which is
under construction here, will be the largest and
costliest steel structural building in Mexico. 1t
already attracts the attention of visitors its mas
sive steel frame rising above the surrounding
buildings and making Ii plainly seen from distant
parts Of the city. The work of constructing this
building was begun year and half ago. 1t will
take about three years to complete IT. When fin
lshed II Will have cost the government about
$6C00O0 Mexican money. which is equivalent to
SS0Oo.0O0 gold. The architect of the building is
AdamO Boart, italian.
Government ownership OF theatres is not q new
thing In Mexico. Most of the state governments
own and subsdize theatres in their respective cap
ltalS Ihis National Theatre which the federal
government IS erecting here, will occupy two
blocks Of ground. bounded by the streets OF San
Francisco, Santa Isabel MariscaIa and Mrador
Gel Alameda. The structure will be the most i'm
posing in the city. 1t will be $40 long,
wide and six stories in height The dome OF the
a.
the main roof will be y feet above the sidewalk
In the construction of the steel skeleton the latest
methods known to the building trades used.
The foundation contains than q thousand
tons Of steel In the superstructure there more
than three thousand tons of steel The steel grill
age rests upon a continuous layer OF
The griilage is also imbedded in concrete. The
four facades OF the building Will be of marble
backed with concrete The color OF the marble
used up to the water table will be a rich brown.
Above the water table tho marble will be white
1t IS planned that all of the brown and white
marble Is TO be Mexican product with the excep-
tion perhaps, of the coionnedes and cornces which
Will be from CGrrara. The floor and roof Will be of
concrete.
The building will be ornamented on the outside
with several marble statues. The models for them
are now being made in Europe. under the direc-
ton of the Mexican government by noted French
and Italian artists. The government has decided
that no expense shall be spared in making tho in
terror decoration OF the building elaborate and at
tractive.
The theatre proper Will have seating capacity
OF about two thousand persons. II will occupy
only a part of the building. The remainder of the
oul!dng VIII be devoted to reception rooms, dane
Ing hall, restaurant, concert hall. Under the
dome Will be a large winter garden. This will be
the main feature OF the building. and will have
the unique distinction OF being the only open win
ter garden on the North American continent. 1t
cannot be duplicated elsewhere except possibly at
a few places In Mexico account of the even
ness and warmth OF the climate here in winter
which permits the growing Of flowers In the open
the year round.
In order to provide for any weather contingency
that may arise the building will be equipped with
II HtdtlnS plant II VIII be the only building In
Mexico thus equipped. 1t will also have its own
venulating plant. This Is also something that no
other building has. In planning this building the
archltect overlooked nothing that would make the
structure complete and modern IN every respect
The Moore electric vacuum tube system of light
Ing will be used throughout the building This Of
itself. will be something novel for Mexico. 1t will
also be equipped with complete telephone system
The interior OF the building will also contain
great display Of Mexican onyx, which Will be used
IN the decoration work. There will be luxu-
riousness about the building that will be pleasing
70 the seekers of amusement. II will be great
temple or pleasure. and the fact that 1t Will be
conducted under government auspices. receiving
yearly subsidy. in the way that the public
schools OF the country are maintained. nsures its
high standard.
II is claimed that II will be the largest and finest
theatre building In the world 1t has the advan-
tage OF being in the central part of the city. On
one side OF II is the famous Alameda, or park
which occupies ten blocks. On the other side IS
the postofIlce building. which recently
completed at cost OF several million dollars. 1t
will be the highest and largest building in Mexico
Its dome VIII be higher than the towers of the
great Cathedral, situated on the Zacola near the
government palace.
1t is significant that the contract for the steel
work freproohng and concrete work for this great
building went 10 American firm, Milliken
Brothers. 81 New York. The introduction of steel
structure work IN buildings IN this country is
largely 10 this concern. They also have the
contract for the steel work, freproOlng and con-
crete work Tor the building TO be used for the
Department of Communications and Public Works.
which the Mexican government IS erecting near
the National Theatre building. This building will
cost SSUVO,UUO, Mexican Inc ground Tor inc
building was broken about one and one-haf years
ago, and II is expected that IT will be finished IN
about two years more. The steel framework is
now nearly finished. Silvio Contr, Italian
architect. drew the plans for the building 1t will
occupy a whole block. facing San Andres street.
The building is 26O feet long by 100 feet wide. It
will be five stories in height. including basement
and attic. Tho patio plan, which is almost uni
versa In Mexico. will be followed in the construc
tion Of this building This inside will afford
ample ventilation and light. The basement will
be five feet below the street level. 1t will be
OF the few buildings IN Mexico having basement.
Even cellars something in this country.
The floors of the building will be of concrete. The
walls will be built Of gneiss backed with brick.
The basement floor will be used for the offices
OF the federal telegraph department. and part OF
the top floor and attic viii be occupied by the
hydrographc department of tho federal govern
ment,
In architectural design and interior finish the
building win be much palmer than the National
Theatre. II will be OF the most substantial con-
struction. however, and will be vast improve
ment over the buildings occupied by the gov
ernment departmentS.