The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-21
Change m Plans Will Require Further Time By
 Auditorium Architects
Commission Orders Estimate Made Structure Seating 8OOO-Citizens Appear Before Commission
 With Objections to Proposed Structure

Complete change in plans for the municipal auditorium, doubling the size of the proposed structure, was demanded by a large delegation which appeared before the city com mission yesterday morning, discuss ing the matter for three full hours. Protests of this delegation finally resulted in the commission issuing instructions to the architects asso- ciated in the drawing of plans for mates on an auditorium which will seat 5000 instead of e4,000 as now planned.
 John H. Taylor, commissioner of public safety, made this motion, which was seconded by Commissioner H. P. Burruss. The architects were requested to report back as early as possible.
 Rough estimates made by Hugh Martin of the architects committee, who appeared before the commits sion yesterday in response to re- quest made by MT. Burruss, were to the effect that an auditorium of 5000 seating capacity of the same type and standard building now planned would cost from s750,000 to $1,00o,000. MT. Martin declared that the struc- l ture now planned was intended as | the first unit of an ideal building. This auditorium will seat from S,600 | to $500, according to statements at tributed to D. o. Whilldin, a member of the architects committee, by Mrs. Richard F. Johnston, who attended the meeting yesterday.
 Commissioner Burruss declared in favor of an auditorium seating from 5000 to 5000 people. Dr. N. A. Bar rett declared he favored an audi torium to suit the needs of Birming- ham. MT. Burruss said he did not 1 anticipate any trouble with the archi- | tects if change in plans was de- cided upon.
 Martin Makes Statement 1 In short statement issued last | night, MT. Martin declared that the architects were anxious to proceed with whatever type structure the cit izens wanted to build. To this end, therefore. he said. estimates of the cost of an auditorium seating 5000 persons will be laid before the com mission at the earlier possible date.
 "The architects will be called fo- gether Wednesday or Thursday" Mr. Martin stated. They will select a committee to prepare the estimates | on the probable cost of the larger building. We want to get things ready for action. It is immaterial to us what the commission wants to do | about the size of the structure. T want to clear one doubt which may be lingering in some minds The auditorium now planned is in- tended as the first unit of an audi torium system. By tearing out the back wall of this building, another auditorium of different type, seating 5000 could be built. The same stage would serve for both. through the use of sound proof curtain to be | dropped at either side of the stage The architects stand ready to plan building in accord with any wishes outlined by the auditorium commit tee. the city commission or whoever is in charge"
 Means More Delay
 The new development will mean that completion of plans for the au- ditorium will be held up until de- cision as to the size is made. Under the present plans. the structure will be completed in time for the opening of the theatrical and musical season next year. A bond issue will be nee essary should an increase in the seat ing capacity be decided upon. Tota' capacity of the auditorium now planned will be 1866. Heated arguments between Dr. N A. Barrett and H. P. Burruss featured the meeting. These arguments faded out in a hurry after George P. Bon durant had declared that the people of Birmingham were not interested in any political squabbles.
 The meeting opened with an outline of progress on the auditorium to date by Hugh Martin, member of the architects committee, who practicall, reitererated statement made to The Age-Herald Monday afternoon and published in yesterdays mornings issue.
 Other principals in the storm, drama were Mrs. Soion Jacobs, Mrs Richard F. Johnston. Mrs. Charles J ] Sharpe, Ellis Brown, s. W. Hawkins c. B. Powell. c. F. Ludwig, Johr Taylor and several other citizens
 Mrs. Jacobs and Mrs. Johnston let the attack of the delegation whicl wanted to know what progress hat been made on the auditorium plans Pointed queries were frequently ad,