The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1916-09-28

Arguments for and against the
adoption of six-story building
limit for the city of Fargo. proposed
in the building ordinance that passed
the first reading of the city COM
mission yesterday, were set forth to-
day in interviews with interested
Fargo citizens and officials.
Arguments in favor of the six-story
limit on the theory that the soil con-
ditions here are such that the con
struction of sky scrapers would be
dangerous, advanced by Geo. l.. Tib-
ert, city building inspector. and by r.
b. BIakemore, member of the city
commission, were challenged by Prof.
e. S. Keene, head of the college or
engineering Of the North Dakota
Agricultural college.
Challenge That View.
Look at Chicago" said Mr.. keene.
has buildings up to 81 stories in
height, made possible through proper
foundation work.
r. F. Powers, well known Fargo
contractor, whose long experience In
construction work locally equips him
to discuss the subject. took like
view of the situation. There isn't
any reason that ! know OF why Fargo
soil isn't suitable for the construction
Mr.. Powers. II see no valid reason
for the adoption of six-story limit.
such as, is provided. Adoption of
proper construction methods Is all
that is necessary in high buildings.
Dahl Isn't For II.
Commissioner j. H. Dahl, discussing
the ordinance, declares himself as be-
ing opposed to the restriction of the
height of buildings. favoring. however.
the adoption of an ordinal6ce which
would prescribe the materials, foun-
dations etc.. that would go into high
building.
Alex Stern, another city commits
sioner, declares he isn't particular
as to the building limitations. L am
willing to support any provision that
seems fair and reasonable" said Mr..
Stern. "Other cities have adopted
building restrictions, preventing the
construction of excessively high struc-
lures, and it appears to me that Fargo
should adopt restrictions at the proper
time" When the matter was given a
hearing before the commission We'd
nesday, Mr.. Stern also presented the
view that the construction Of high
buildings would operate against small
Office buildings. depopulating their
and he maintained that Grand Forks
had been hurt by the fact that it has
several high office buildings. empty
ing smaller structures.
Commissioner Blakemore also point
ed to sanitary conditions created by
high buildings. throwing streets into
constant shade; to fire profession.
high structures forcing the city to lay
special high pressure fire fighting
mains; to the question of congestion,
created when employees and others
quit the big structures at the same
hour.
Looking at Chicago.
"Chicago, as is well known. Is built
for the most part. on big bog" said
Mr.. Keene. There, however, they
have buildings up to "a stories in
height and they are thoroughly sub
stantial.
Fargo has a firm subsoil, which
can be thoroughly prepared to carry
great weights without danger. There's
no reason why we couldn't erect forty
story buildings in Fargo, so far as the
soil is concerned. That objection,
am sure, is entirely invalid.
"One must take proper precautions
but nobody would erect a big struc'
ture without taking such precautions.
"Chicago's business district lies ovel
a bog that was filled in with tn,
growth of ages. Beneath this growth
there are beds OF quicksand--bui
f