New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-12
Foes of Plan to Use Park
Departments Old Home
Line Up for Fight.
ALEXANDER TO SEE
WARD ON SUBJECT
Opposition Is Based on Site in
City Property Being Given
to Private Corporations.

John W. Alexander president OF the
National Academy Association. had hard
~ revived yesterday his plans, as was told
In Tho Tribune, 20 have the Arsenal site
in Central Park made available for a
palace OF arts, TO cost between $4,000 and
$4,000, in view OF the abandonment #
the Arsenal as Park Department head
quarters. when opposition broke out. It
has broken out every time Mr. Alexander
has advanced the scheme, which he has
done on several occasions since 1909.
81 expect there will be opposition" said
Mr. Alexander, but as soon as | can do
so | shall take up the matter with Park
Commissioner ward"
There were Suggestions in some quar-
ters yesterday about using one OF the
floors in the Arsenal for an exhibition
gallery. But such a plan would not be
feasible, so Mr.. Alexander said. lie
added:
That was considered some years ago.
In fact, ] went into the matter myself
With a great deal OF thoroughness. It
would cost $50 900 to remodel the Arsenal
to make il OF any service. and even then
It would be really UNIT for the purposes
we have in view"
Gutzon Borglum was prompt yesterday
to oppose the plan.
IN get busy right away" said the
sculptor. II opposed IT from the start
and shall do so again. / am against any
site in the city's parks being given to
private corporations, and that's what IT
would amount to in this case
Mr.. Borglum firmly believed that the
Alexander plan, II it ever came to a head
again. would be defeated by the people.
lie was in favor of an art structure, pro-
vded it was erected by the city.
IT would be in favor of an art building
in Central Park" lie said, 'if 1t were
erected by the city. Then it would be cor
the people and controlled by the city
The lower reservoir in the park would be
lust the place for such an institution"
Dom Barber, the architect VINO is
treasurer of the National Academy Asso-
citation, was practically OF the same pc
lief as Mr.. Borglum.
IT think the association he said,
SHOULD find a site outside the parks. IL
is a private organization, and If 1t got
into the park then there would be no
telling what other organizations would
try to get park sites. If the art building
was a city institution and under the con-
troll Of the city, then ! think ii should be
erected in the park. That is the way 1t
is done in Europe"
Another well known architect, promi-
nent in the fight against the academy
park site proposition in 1909, said;
THE plan will never succeed. IL 1t as
sumes any menacing proportions those
who are interested in the preservation CT
the parks will defeat it again. Those VINO
want it will get their Jackets warmed l
can assure you"
Mr.. Alexander said that in the event the
Arsenal site became available. the ori.l-
nal plan to let the city have the first floor
would hold good.
No announcement has been made by the
Park Department as to what disposition
will be made OF the Arsenal structure
Rumors still persisted yesterday that
large part of, it would be converted INTO
dormitories for the park police.