Norwich bulletin., 1911-11-10

Thursday morning the Chelsea Saw lngS bank opened it's doors for busi- ness iIt the magnificent new banking house which has been under construc- ton for. it's occupancy for more than two years past on the site of the old Universalist church on the triangular shaped plot at the corner of Main and ClIf streets, fronting westward upon Franklin square. Competent critics from the cities of New York. Chicago. Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, familiar with the building of banking institutions, who have had opportunity to inspect the new Chelsea, have de- clared that they have yet to see it's equal as an artistic architectural gem, making a building in which it's officers and the community may take a just pride. while it is a credit to the work nanshiD of all who have been engaged ir the details of it's construction. There were many visitors who admired it through the day.
 Commanding Site.
 The site of the new building is par fullest advantage it's impressive yet graceful proportions, carrying out the classical Greek design in giistening white Millstone granite, with Ionic columns rising from a massive base and supporting the mutular cornice and pediment. On the front there are four of the Ionic columns, on the Main street side five and on the Cliff street
 The building is erected one story high. with an outside height of 46 feet, has frontage Of 3I feet, and fellows the side lines of the lot on each side for 90 feet. while the rear width is about three times that of the front. The general ground plan covers about 4.500 square feet. In the rear wall there are no openings of any kind. The building is as thoroughly fireproof as modern methods know how to build, the floor ceiling and roof being of con- crete and steel, the partitions of brick or hollow tile, the window frames and quantity of wood in the floors and f1n- ish of few rooms.
 Greek Type Of Architecture
 On the front of the building the four Ionic columns run up to the low tyrn- panium which is characteristic of the Grecian type In the center of the tVmpaniuul is set clock with 36-lnch dial and gold numbers on the face Back of the cIork are the works which run the clock system of the building. The name of the bank is shown in the frieze on the front and on the Main street side.
 Between the middle pair of columns on the front is the main entrance through sliding brass doors of orna- mental design bearing the bank mono- gram. The main entrance is reached by II granite steps, broken into two flights by a broad landing. and afford ing entrance into the veStibule, 5X1 1-2. and the circular lobby. 12 feet across. From the lobby entrance is gained to the main banking room through a pilastered opening. to the presidents room on the right or the ladies room on the left. There is a drinking fouR- tain on the south wall of the lobby. and 2 circular electrical six-lisht chandelier of rich design in bronze with chain pendant hangs from the ceiling over the center of the lohhv
 .I.S Ia street side, providing for clerks entrance and leading into the lobby.
 Presidents Room.
 Entering the presidents room. 9x14, to the right is observed one of the distinctive details carried out in the woodwork of the building. contributing to the rich and i'm rTessive appearance The woody ork as well as the furniture is all ma hosany and the floor is quar- tered oak. this being the flooring used instead of marble in the smaller rooms The wall decorations are in rich green Adjoining the presidents room is a private toilet. with white Italian marble wainscottfng and ceramic lie flooring. which is used throughout the building in the toilets.
 In the ladies' room. 9x14. to the left of the lobby. the mural decorations are in a dainty design in a light shade and the room is furnished among other things with a large and beautifully de- signed pier glass. This room Is also in mahogany. wainscotted four and one half feet high. and has a toilet adjoin- ing.
 Directors Room.
 On the mega nine floor at the front, which is reached by white marble and bronze stairway. is the directors room. 15x24 with an adjoining com mittee room. < 1-%feet square. and an adjoining toilet. The directors room IS .undouhtedlv one of the finest of it's kind in this vicinity. The mahogany finish extends to a height of about F feet It is executed in pure Georgian style with hand-carved broken pedi- ments enriching the doorway. The big central table is mahogany. the high backed mahogany chairs are upholster- cd in green to harnonize with the dec orSted ceiling ard walls. The room has. windows looking out on Franklin scuare and also into the main banking. space.
 Bankin- Room.
 AbundantIy lighted from the large. number of polished plate glass win dows on the sides. the general banking room, 40x6o, and 35 feet high, is finely adapted for it's business purposes The. h5gh counter is of Tavernelli' fieuri marble with ornamental