Evening star., 1911-08-17


claiming that the walls were too light
and that the structure would not be safe.
The difficulty was not Strengthened out,
it is said. until the District consented TO
pay an additional amount to have the
walls reinforced.
Officials Of the coTnpaay have confirmed
the reports in general. They would not
assume the responsibility OF putting on
the roof, they said, until the walls had
been strengthened.
Contractors Refused to Proceed.
When the third floor Of the building
had been reached. according to officials
of the company, the specifications called
for number of circular head windows.
1t was decided that the walls and the re-
duced support resulting from the circular
head windows would make heavy con-
crete roof unsafe, they say. and the
company refused to go ahead with the
work.
The matter was taken up with the Dis
trict officials. The company, II is said'
finally was instructed to make the neces-
sary alterations which. in their opinion,
would make the building safe.
The reinforcement of the walls, il is
learned, was effected through the placing
of steel supports on the Rhode Island
avenue and Marion street sides or the
building When this had been accom-
plished the roof was put on Ihe puild-
ing has been completed
What the amount OF the extra cost IN
Cured was Is not known. but it was
stated today by representatives Oh the
company that the work was done at
considerable expense.
When told of the statements made by
officials OF the company, Mr.. Ashford
TODAY denied that there had been any
change in the plans for the building or
that an additional amount OF money mao
been spent to reinforce the Wais.
II absolutely know nothing about II,
said Mr. Ashford. There were no
changes made in the plans ard The work
was not delayed. No additional money
was snent to have the walls strengthened
There is no ruth whatever in the story
Nav Revise Normal Plans.
Developments today indicate that the
outcome CT the Normal School trouble
will be a Encouragement of the plans SO
that the building will face on Harvard
street instead of 11th street Ihls, IL is
said. Will reduce the width of the assem-
bly, hall BY two feet but will lead to no
other alterations in the building.
Following a conference held yesterday
by Assistant Engineer commissioner
Capt. Mark Brook, Surveyor Hazen. Cor
poration Counsel Thomas and Mr.. Ash
ford. Capt Brook left last night for
Warm Springs, Va. where he will hold a
consultation with Ensineer Commissioner
Judson in regard to the matter.
The plan of rearranging the building 20
that II will face on Harvard street Is the
one that will be presented to commission
er Judson. IL is likely that decision VIII
be reached in few days.
~ Gsnyntc
the loss to the District, as result of the
difficulty, will be slight. Nest of the ex-
cavation that has been made, 1t Is
claimed can he used under the rear
ranged scheme.
Whether the changed plans will be pre-
sented to the board Of education for ap-
proval and whether that body will adopt
them are undetermined factors in the
situation.
Purchase of New Site Possible.
That the board may recommend the
purchase of a new site, so that the orig
inal plans can be carried out, is a pos
sibility that has been mentioned.
Capt. James f. oyster, president of the
board. today said that. IL the new plan
should meet with all requirements. the
board, i'm all probability, would make no
objection to 1t.
Il do not wish to be regarded as be-
ing hostile to Mr.. Ashford" said Capt.
oyster Il regret that any mistake has
heen made and. If the new plan is satis-
factory, 1t is my belief that the board
will he anxious for the work to COM
mence without any further delay
The plans provided by the municipal
architect for the Normal School build
ing. at 18th and Harvard streets north
vest did not take cognizance Of thirty
foot building restriction line that exists
on Harvard and Girard streets. but does
NOT amply to 1lth street. This restric-
tion IS set forth in a clause I'm the deed
hv which the District secured posses
sion of the property.
puring the conference OF the officials.
held yesterday, II Is understood that