The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-08
BETTER. THAN PURCHASE

T am inclined to believe that further negotiations on the part of the city with the owners might result in changing cer tain features of the proposition discussed this morning. Whether or not this can be done however, I desire to personally go on record as making the statement that in my opinion the proposition as outlined above is more desirable, from the citys standpoint, than outright pur- chase at this time, even at it's reason able value.
 '.I believe that the present site of the city hall, 200x140 feet, can be leased for long term of years at per cent of it's value, said value to be adjusted in the manner above outlined each 10 years place value upon she land of S40O, GOO and a value on the improvements on same, when adapted for commercial pur- poses, of S200,000, making total of $60O,- coo as rental basis. The present build ing. exclusive of the city jail can be reconstructed for commercial uses with the expenditure of approximately $40,OoO The entire property, including q new building for the jail site, can be made into one large commercial building 200 by 14O feet, with an expenditure. in my of less than $100.000. I am of the opinion that lessee can be found who will occupy the building on a long term lease, paying for same per cent
 
 be done at the present tinie the build ins can be divided into number of store rooms and large rental can be obtained as soon as it is ready for occupancy feel quite positive of the fact that under this scheme the city can secure the best municipal quarters in the south and an auditorium, perhaps as good as any in the country, and that the rental from the present city hall site and the stores and auditorium in its new location, will not only be sufficient to provide for all carrying charges, but will place in the treasury handsome profit each year.
 OFFERS TO AID
 II shall hold myself In readiness, if you deem it desirable, to aid you in any way possible. I am of the opinion, how ever that any other negotiatior.s if further, should be conducted directly be- tween the city commission and the own CTS of the property. l feel that further activity on my part when the preliminary basis of trade has been secured. might become known and misunderstood by some of our citizens who will have a voice in deciding the bond issue and as my only interest from the first has been to aid in securing propert quarters for the city government and an audi torium which is so grievously needed. am more than willing to quietly turn over to you the results of my ideas and efforts and with a great number of our people, wish for you success in the con summation of this very desirable project. Yours very truly. E. l.. BROWN.
 It is understood that all improvements on the lot shall become the property of the city at the termination of the lease.
 B. L. B.
 Regarding the above letter Commits sioner Weatherly made the following statement:
 plan suggested by Mr. E. l.. Brown, nor to any other proposition. The whole sub- ject of an auditorium is ir. a purely tenta- tive stage and when or how or where an auditorium will be built. and whether tt will be built now or not. is an open question"