The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-28
GAN LET CONTRACT. FIR AUDITORIUM.
 BY MIDDLE IF NAY
Architects Show Commission Practically No Further
 Changes Necessary

Detailed plans and specifications for the new municipal auditorium will be in the hands of the city com mission within the next 60 days, D. o. Whildin and Hugh Martin. repre- senting the Institute Of Architects, told the commission at conference held Tuesday afternoon. This time may be shortened a little. they stat ed, but contract for the building can be let before the middle of May and Birmingham will at last realize its cherished desire-an auditorium.
 There will be no changes in the general plan drawn up by the Bir- mingham architects several weeks ago and presented to the commission. After the commission agreed that the preliminary sketches were satis- w. Lamb, consulting architect, in New York for approval. His report reached the city Monday afternoon and was read to the commission at the conference Monday. Several minor changes were suggested in re- lation to widening and shortening the width of several exits, Otherwise the plans were passed as drawn. One suggestion was made in reference to the floor plan of the arena, which MT. Lamb asked to be fitted with a movable floor section, which would permit a level space for exhibits. Large Level Space.
 [ MT. Martin stated that MT. Lamb was not familiar with the conditions which existed and that the plans would probably be worked out ac cording to the original drawings which call for a level space 45 feet by 100 feet, directly in front of the stage. Behind this, in the arena, would be section approximately 100 x100 feet that would have an eleva- tion of three and one-half feet. He said that this elevation would not in terfere with exhibition, skating or dancing.
 According to the agreement be- tween the architects and commission between the committee rooms and corridor would be eliminated at the present time, also the ceiling Both items can be placed at any future time and would not conflict with the auditorium MT. Whildin said that been fitted with ceiling and the acoustics were regarded as very good.
 The Institute of Architects will in- corporate the ideas suggested by MT. Lamb into the plans which will
  ately begin a revision of the floor plan to conform with these sugges- tions. The building will be built for mass effect.
 A complete set of the sketches will be furnished to the commission and the Chamber of Commerce within the next two weeks, and a complete set of the plans will be given to the city for it's records. sketch of the re- vised floor plans will be ready by the end of the week, they assured the commission
 Building Material Demand.
 MT. .Whildin stated the building of the auditorium should go forward as rapidly as material can be obtained He stated that the demand for all classes of building material is much beyond the supply at the present time. Both architects stated wood floor would be used. a concrete base being supplied.
 All commissioners were well pleased with the report rendered by MT. Lamb, which is considered an ex- mingham institute, which has had charge of the plans Commissioner Dickson asked them if there was any way possible to have the plans and specifications ready within the next 40 days in order that the contract eouiu uo !eI py tne Iniuuie oI Mdy MT. Whildin stated that everything would be done to have them com pleted within that time.
 The plans as drawn by the archi- tects call for a seating capacity of 5000 people. There is not an ob- structing post in the entire plan, and all spectators have clear view of the stage from any seat in the entire auditorium. It will be of the arena type, with balcony at the rear.
 The commission has $439,O00 to huild the auditorium