Grand Trunk betterments, etc.

...

Montréal general offices.—A water color sketch of the new offices has been sent to the directors in London. This gives perspective, atmospheric effects, & the sense of color harmony. The idea of Architect Waite was to produce what is called monumental color, & in this he has succeeded admirably, for so delicately has the color scheme been blent that the shadings and graduations are seen to grow naturally out of the architectural design. This is what will actually be realized in the material—a colour harmony produced in stone—the shadings following a natural growth, which will give to the completed building the sense of a perfect harmony. Sir Charles Rivers-Wilson has great taste in architecture, while the members of the board are much interested in a building which will be one of the best of its character on this continent. The sketch will, no doubt, he examined by prominent English architects. Mr. Waite has given much care to the work, which presents certain new features & details, not shown in the original drawing. The street cars are seen running in front of the building, while in the centre is seen a great clock, which will be found to be a great convenience to business men & to others. The clock was added upon suggestion of several prominent Montrealers, & Mr. Hays was heartily in favor of this addition, which will be an ornament & a convenience. Since the plans were prepared and the cost estimated, certain materials to be employed in the building have gone up in price. Iron, for instance, has taken an upward turn, & when it is considered that there will be several thousands of tons of iron in the structure, the difference in the total cost will be considerable. Steps are being taken to grant only monthly leases to the tenants of St. Ann's market, so that when the G.T. offices are completed the market site may be turned into a public square.

Railways: G.T.Ry.

Results