Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-04
SERVICE MEN
OFFERED PLAZA
BUILDINGS USE
Board of Works Acts on Sug-
gestiOn of Mayor
Shank.
DETAILS NOT COMPLETE

The method Of turning over the use OF
all buildings in the city plaza TO eX-
service mems organizations rent-free
which the board of public works offered
Friday afternoon on Mayor Samuel Lewis
Shank's suggestion, will be worked out
at a meeting of representatives of the
patriotic societies with the board. The
block is bounded by Michigan, Meridian,
North and Pennsy Iyania streets and the
city owns all but three pieces of property
therein, having paid more than 100000
for it the first of this year.
Meanwhile the county commissioners
have under consideration a similar offer
of the property in the county plaza block
after they carry out their intention of
purchasing it, The commissioners do not
expect to acquire any part Of their block,
which is bounded by Michigan, Vermont,
Meridian and Pennsylvania streets, before
May l.
CONTROL MAY BE
RETAINED BY CITY.
While details are to be worked out at
the conference Monday it was understood
at the board of works meeting Friday
afternoon that control of the property
viii not be given to the ex-serYice men,
but merely the use Of it, They will be
Permitted TO either occupy or continue
the renting Of the buildings, proceeds Of
/ the rentals to go toward the upbeep Of
4 clubrooms hospitals, hotels or whatever
the ex-service men care to establish
The board believes that some form Of
an organization In which eX-service mems
bodies are represented should be formed
TO which the use of the property can be
given. Some such organization may
grow out Of the Monday conference. The
board also desired particularly that vet
Grams of the Civil and Spanish-American
wars get some use Of the property. The
commissioners also are anxious TO do
something for the G. A r., which has
found its quarters in East Maryland
street insufficient. The Sons Of Veterans
expect to launch a campaign to raise
money for a new permanent home for
the G. A. r. soon. Meanwhile the COM
missiOners have been talking Of giving
them space in the courthouse Many salts
factory temporary quarters might he
found in one Of the plaza blocks the Off
cIals said.
{ SHANK SUGGESTS
ALL BE INCLUDED.
Mayor Shank first suggested that the
buildings be turned over to the American
Legion but upon being informed that
/ there are q number of other ex-service
mems organizations which are not affiI-
t0bC1 Win LiC 4Fe ION ne dAucltutu HIS
suggestion to cover all.
National headquarters Of the legion
which originally was offered the use Of
the Chalfant apartments at Michigan
and Pennsylvania streets, until the In
diana war memorial building IS erected
on the city block, expressed approval Of
the plan to turn over the rest Of the
buildings.
The Marion County Council Of the
legion, ut a meeting last evening, de
clded to accept the offer and John Paul
Ragsdale. chairman, announced he VIII
appoint q committee Of five TO meet with
the board of works Monday.
The county council would Ike to es-
tablish clubrooms and a public cafeteria
in the block.
! The State department of the legion has
| rented headquarters In the Indianapolis
/ Securities building for a year and action
| OF the executive committee, which meets
in March, will be required before any de
| cision is made on the citys offer, Frank
! e. Henley, state adjutant said.