The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-31
Understood Commissioners
Have Already Decided
That City Property
Should Be Utilized
SAVE BIG EXPENSE
IN BUYING SITE IN
CONVENIENT PLACE
Offers Have Already Been Made for
Entire Bond Issue, But 1t Will
Be Sold on Competi-
tive Basis

Following the issuing of the 100000 aud
itorium bonds by the city commission one
of the livest questions before the COM
missioners will be the location of the
new structure
1t is understood that the commission has
decided to build the auditorium on city
property. thus saving the cost OF new
site. The suggestion was first made by
Commissioner-elect George B. Ward that
the structure be placed in East park,
| West park or Capitol park. All three
places were regarded as highly suitable,
but Capitol park was regarded as best of
all except for certain legal complications
which it was thought might arise as re-
suit of restrictions in the original deed
to the city by the Elyton Land company.
Yesterday, however, it was understood
that competent legal authorities who had
looked into the matter had given the opin-
ion that there was nothing whatever to
prevent portion of the park from being
used as a peoples auditorium site
Mr.. Wards suggestion contemplated not
only it's location in one of the three parks,
but also using a small portion of the
lower floor of the building for one of the
automobile fire stations. 1t is claimed the
saving to the city by this step alone would
be sufficient to pay the interest on the
bonds.
Entire Amount on Building
IL the city can use part of it's own
property for the site it will be able to use
the entire amount of the bond issue for
the building and its equipment, thus get
ting a much more complete structure than
would otherwise be possible. A mag
nificent building to seat not less than 10000
people could thus be erected, and there
would be sufficient funds to install s25,-
900 pipe organ for the benefit of music
festivals or religious gatherings which
would be held in the auditorium.
1t was at first thought that too much
of one of the city's recreation spaces
would be required if Capitol park were
used as site, but it was pointed out
yesterday that Capitol park is 400 feet
by 600 feet, making a total area of 2lO,0oo
square feet. The auditorium would be $50
feet by 200 feet, or 10000 square feet, only
one-eighth OF the area of the park.
It was felt at first that there might be
contest among real estate men to sup
ply the necessary site, and that the con-
sequent Investigations would require SO
much time that the building could not be
completed in time for use next season.
BY utilizing city property, however, the
commissioners will be able to proceed with
the work as soon as the bonds are dis
posed Of
Argument for West Park
Strong argument was also advanced
yesterday in favor of West park at Sew
enteenth street and Fifth avenue 1t was
pointed out that the park is almost in
the heart of the business district of the
fjt al q ppn0rHDhicnl
Greater Birmingham. 1t has ample street
car service, as much as any other point
in the city, and probably more. 1t is
within two blocks OF the proposed new
postoffice is across the street from the
Roden hotel. and but three blocks from
the Southern club, the Young Mems
Christian association. the Athletic club,
the city hail. some of the city largest
churches and the Tutwilar hotel
Suggestions Wanted
1t is stated that after the bonds are sold
the city commission Will definitely de-
eide upon a site. In the meantime, how
ever, the expression of private citizens
is desired and suggestions of any kind
wanted The auditorium is the peoples
project entirely, and it is to serve the
will of the people that every phase of it's
establishment will be decided upon
Offers to Buy Bonds
Offers already have been made to THE
city commission, it was learned yesterday,
for the purchase of the per cent 30-year
auditorium bonds. 1t is reported the bids
were at par, and for the entire lot of $780,
600 worth of bonds.
No. offers have been accepted, however,
and it is said that none will be until the
bonds have been advertised and an
ncunced for sale in due form, after which
they will be sold on a competitive basis
to the highest bidder, providing that bid
der offers a price of par or higher.
The bonds will be advertised at once, 1t
Is stated, and within 80 days at the outside
the bids will be opened. 1t appears that
there will be no dearth of bidders
As soon as the bonds are sold the site
will be determined, an architect employed,
contracts awarded for construction and
the actual work will begin.