New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-02-18
ACADEMICIAN OBJECTS
OPPOSES ARSENAL PL4N.
George III. Hall Has Counter Prof
ect for Fine Arts Building.

Vigorous opposition to the plans OF the National
Academy OF Design for the erection of fine arts
building in Central Park the place now occu-
pied " the Arsenal was voiced yesterday by
George H Hall, Of the oldest members OF the
academy, National Aeadenlioian since 1868 and
former treasurer OF the academy. He expressed
his confidence that the scheme would fall through
when brought before a general meeting OF sca-
de,nieians. and announced that much more at
tractive and praiseworthy project would be pre-
scented for the erection of a monumental building
on Central Park site to be given, without restrie
tons, by the city.
Al his studio. No. es Fifth avenue Mr.. Hall said
that when the National Academy erected a fine
arts building it should erect building devoted en-
tirely to art purposes, and having connection
with Offices of the Park Department and police
station. as proposed or with any other munich
pal department.
IF this scheme should be carried out" asserted
Mr.. Hall, lit would make the National Academy OF
Design the subject rdieue In every art OF
the world wherever 1T known. In my expert
Of score Of years with all the great picture
galleries of Europe may say that no famous art
gallery abroad has any connection with munich
pal department
Now the academy owns, without incurnbr
a site in Cathedral Parkway, covering sixteen city
lots, for which paid about $4,000 That property
has appreciated that it Is estimated its
present value may be in the neighborhood of $500,
0o. The site at 109th street and Amsterdam avenue
Is not considered 50 far uptown as it when the
land bought and, the academy has build
ing fund of 100000. many of its friends think
It might well start now the erection of fine arts
building its property with its resources in
hand, and trust to the future for aid in finishing
the work.
There is no objection to the plan Of having the
proposed fine arts building in Central Park. In
fact, it would he highly desirable II the academy
could have the whole building for art purposes
shall accordingly at the forthcoming general meet
ing Of the academicians present plan by which
1t may be possible for the academy to obtain from
the city site in Central Park near the Metropol-
itan Museum OF Art. which may erect
monumental building devoted to art purposes alone.
Il shall also recommend at this meeting that the
academy sell its valuable real estate holdings in
Cathedral Parkway. With the money realized
thereby and with the help we may confidently
pact later from Andrew Carnegie and other patrons
Of art. building that will be an
ornament and an honor to the city.
Other members OF the National Academy % De-
sign expressed their dspleasure yesterday at the
steps taken by the officers OF the academy toward
obtaining from the city the site of the old Arsenal
in Central Park. their reason being that the mem
bers of the academy had not been consulted. They
did not seem 20 agree. however with Mr.. Halls
objections, though few shared his views.
Frederick Dieman. president Of the arademy. eS-
planned the secrecy with which the plans had been
surrounded He said general discussion of such
scheme before the necessary steps for ratification
had been taken undesirable because such dis
cusson would be almost TO hurt the project
The academy had not bean committed. he said 70
any action. and. In his opinion. the officers and
council had done no more than their duty I'm taking
steps that might make such site as the one IN
Central Park available for the building.
Cass Gilbert, president Of .he American Institute
Of Architects. expressed himself as heartily II
favor Of the plan for the Central Park building
Yesterday. He could see no possible objection 10
the plan either with regard 70 the suggested site
to the possibility Of disagreements over exhibit
tionE.