Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-07-07
WILLIAM WOODBURY. POTTER
On Artistic Building In Philadelphia


PHILADELPHIA is not only catching up
erected are far superior to those which were
built before the war years and those I'M
mediately following, according to William
Woodburn Potter, architect.
philadelphia, with respect to its build
ing" said Mr.. Potter, ''is coming along as
we'll Us any large city in the country. There
was more building in the first three months
of the present year than in the whole of
1920. Still there must be lot more build
ing done IL we are adequately to house the
crowds for the Sesqui- Centennial. In spite
of the fact that contracts for two large new
within the last few days and building is
active in both the city and in the suburbs.
1.-THE city should gain substantial and
permanent benefit from the Sesqui. .Centen-
nial; but as far rs the building for 1t is
concerned, 1t will have to be begun before
long II the structures are to be permanent
asset to the city after the close of the fair.
to accommodate the. Sesqui-Centennial
crowds by all means should be permanent
structures, because only in that way will
they be an asset to the city and because
they are badly needed for the ever growing
population Of Philadelphia. If they are con-
permanent. they will be n real investment
for the city, If temporary buildings are put
up. to be demolished after the fair closes,
they will do the city no lasting good
1.-THE sesqui- Centennial also will serve
another good purpose. There are certain
localities in the city which need clearing
out, and the necessities Of the big fair will
bring about this result, and IL the buildings
put up on these localities are of good con-
struction and design, the results for Phila-
delphia will be great.
Parkway Q Big Factor
THE new Parkway has done n trcmen-
dous amount of good for the city which ! do
not believe is fully appreciated. 1t was n
long time in coming, but it is unquestionably
one of the greatest factors in the improving
and the beautifying of the city that has
ever been brought about either here or In
any other American city. BY waiting we
have secured boulevard which is incom-
been had it been put through in n hurry.
The original plans called for a boulevard
only 100 feet in width, but by hard work
and the planning Of 1t by men of real vision
we have obtained the magnificent Parkway.
which will one day be one of the great sights
Of the country.
League Island Park is another place
Places like these exert gigantic influence for
good on the surrounding neighborhoods in
making the residents there build better
homes, and they also exert n splendid in
HutnCe OH Tue WUOle city.
II was n member of the Housing Bureau
during the war years and we had charge of
a certain Improvement in South Philnde-
phia The place was little more than n city
dump, but 1t became highly desirable resi-
dence neighborhood largely through the i'm.
provements which we were able to effect
One building operation of the better kind
often changes the atmosphere of an entire
section.
Roosevelt Boulevard has had the same
effect upon its immediate locality ms the
Parkway and Lengne Island Park. 1t is A
singuarly good thing, but often the people
as whole do not see what an influence for
good such things are, and many have not
warm public support at the time they are
projected. 1t is not too much to say thar
ON the first presentation of such projects
more than one half of the voters are not in
favor of them. But nevertheless they have
all benefited the city as n whole as well AZ
their immediate neigh5Orhoods
''The new Art Gallery will be tremcn =.
dOus educational influence In PHILADELPHIA.
The building itself will be beautiful and i'm,
posing, and just to have people walk around
1t and see 1t will be an inspiration for
greater things in city betterment. These in !.
huences, II sufficient In number and effect
may In time even reach the point of a popu
lar demand for better political conditions. m
event which can be brought about Whenever
enough OF the voters want it.
Better Houses Demanded
The people ~ . Whole are demanding n
petter class OF hrses They want larger