New-York tribune., 1922-06-09
Peace Memorial
Project Needs
$15,OOO,OOO
City Chamberlain Outlines
Plans for Magnificent Art
Center in Heart of New
York and Asks Support
Has Mayors Approval
Home of Music, Drama and
Fine Arts Would Occupy
Imposing Site: CITY TO Aid

The raising Of si5.o0oooo BY popular
subscription is the next step in the
plan under development by City Cham
berlain Philip Berolzheimer for the
erection Of peace memorial to be de-
voted 20 higher education in music.
drama and fine art. Thus latest de-
velopmcnts make IL clear that the arts
center is to cost at least 0.000. 900.
the city furnishing half the amount for
the property site and the public an
equal amount for the buildings.
The hrst movs toward realizing the
project. which became known on
Wednesday With the publication Of a
letter from Mayor Hylan to Mr. BerolI-
heimer. will he followed Immediately
by campaign 10 enlist the support Of
musical. dramatic and art organizations.
tho ehamharl announced. In the
letter the Mayor announced his ap-
proval Of the bill authorizing the city
TO condemn a site and instructed the
chamberlain and his assistants TO pro-
coed with arrangements.
The site settled upon. which will
front Fifty-nirth Street on the north
and Fifty-seventh street on the south.
taking in the property TO within 600
feet on either side and including the
thoroughfare Of Seventh Avenue. will
be subject for condemnation proceed
ings as soon as sanction is obtained
from the Board OF Estimate. This will
be sought wiih the full approval Of
tho Mayor. Mr. Bcrolzheimor said
when he has received tho full assur-
ance Of the public.
Seek Backing OF Art Folk
Thc estimated property cost of
si5.000.000 Mr.. BerolIheimer said. was
based on the assessed value Of the
property. while like amount would 90
for tho erection OF an opera house. two
other wings. the plaza, approaehes
subway connecting tunnels and VIA
duets associated with the immense
project. II sufficient money rs raised
several million more perhaps would oe
used, he said. that the architects might
indulge their fancy without stint
Since the announcement OF the plAn
Mr. Bcrolzhcimor has received many
letters Of commendation without an
adverse criticism. The most necessary
thing now. he said. will be 20 get the
music. art and dramatic people be-
hind him. -
~ il is not worth sl5.0oooo "a
the people 10 have such an institution
as this. then we will have 20 let Il
60" said the Chamberlain. "On com
pletion the arts center will be a tax
PAYERS proposition They will hay,
paid out many millions. but they VII
own something 10 show for o.
Part OF the plan is 10 have the het
ropolitan Opera Company come int
the project. Mr.. Berolzheimer said. H'
pointed out that this organization. AZ
well az others whose cooperation Is
solicited would be enabled thus "a
enjoy all their present privileges OF
operation and management.
Strong Backing Assured
Mr.. Bcrolzheimer said that Otto II
Kahn has given every encouragement
10 tho plan. and he feels that the latter
would support the transference Of the
oreratic Interests 20 the arts center al
the proper time lie said that the
Metropolitan interests will be asked 70
disposc Of their property and 20 trans
fer their subscriptions and their assets
10 the Peace Memorial Opera House.
Felix Warburg is another whom the
Chamberlain said he felt he could rely
upon 20 further the cooperative prof
ect