The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-11-18
THE ST. CLOUD INSTITUTE
A PRAIsEWoRTHY EFFORT TO
ESTABLISH A REAL SOCIAL
CENTER IN EVERY SENSE OF
THE TERM.

The idea of a Catholic Civic Center
for at least all of our see-cities is rap
idly passing from the stage Of being a
purely academic question to that of
actuality. From all sides come re-
ports of such centers, more or less
broad of scope, being either establish
ed or planned for the near future.
We may justly pride ourselves. on
being pioneers in this particular field.
The purpose of the present article,
is to briefly outline just what mate
rial advantages we have to offer in the
building which is rapidly nearing com
pletion, and how these advantages are
to be made subservient to the various
purposes we have in view.
We have been fortunate in being
able to meet the requirement of a
suitable location. Taking over the
property of the old Catholic Club with
the additional property acquired short
ly after, gave us a site than which
none other could have proved so de-
sirable for our purposes.
The main building on Eighth avenue
south, facing to the west, is one hun
dred and seventy feet in length, with
a width of forty-five feet Thee old
club building forms the south wing
and extends one hundred and twenty
feet along First street south, having
a width of sixty feet. A north wing
is planned, although its details have
not yet been decided, nor is it at pres
ent under construction. 1t is con-
templated to erect this addition as
soon as the further need of it mani
tests itself.
( The style of architecture is of the
colonial type. with no extraordinary
attempt at characterization. In it's en-
tirety the building is planned for the
use and comfort of those who will ben
eft by it. Every precaution for their
safety and convenience is taken.
Though practically fireproof, yet am
pie provision is made for a rapid
emptying OF the building by wide COR
ridors, large Hobbies, ample staircases,
two large entrances on Eighth avenue,
and another large one on First street
south, without counting the exits to
the court and the alley. The whole
appearance, interior and exterior, will
be marked by chaste elegance and a
dignified simplicity.
The construction is of solid brick
masonry, REINFORCED by much struc-
tural steel to ensure further strength
and safety. The foundations are of
REINFORCED concrete with, above
grade, facing of st. Cloud granite.
In fact all the trimmings such as the
water table, the line belt, the sills and
lintels of doors and windows, the en-
tire construction of the portals, are
all of ST. Cloud granite of pearl gray
color, contrasting beautifully with the
dull red of the brick. The roof will
be covered with tile of variegated
red color.
In the basement will be the billiard
tables and tables for games, with re-
freshment and lunch stands. In the
basement also will be found the lock-
ers, showers, gymnasium, etc, with a
swimming pool. Handball and basket
ball courts will be just outside. Bowl
ing alleys are at one end. On the first
floor are large auditorium and read
ing rooms. This floor contains also a
kitchen and accessories, offices, rest
rooms, and library. The second
floor contains lodge and living rooms.
The entire third floor is devoted to
dormitories and store rooms. Mem
bers Of the Institute may rent apart
ments at a. reasonable rate on this
floor. which will be especially appre-
ciated by young men.-My Message.