The architectural interest in this detail will center in the beautifully designed details of moldings and accessories, all in keeping with the exact period of Mills’ design and the plan originated by L’Enfant.
Seldom has a scheme of this nature had more careful thought, more scholarly study. Its enthusiastic indorsement by the National Art Commission and the various art bodies who have been asked to pass on the details is evidence that the architect has evolved a design so very meritorious as to place it among the most satisfactory interpretations of modern architecture.
The ground for this statue of Lafayette was broken by Marshal Joffre, when he and the other
long where, with a view to improving a locality which appears to have halted in its development, the city has already razed some eight or ten blocks of buildings. This will comprise the area of the proposed St. Paul Square improvement.
On the lower side of this square is Courtland Street, located twenty feet below the level of St. Paul Street, which bounds the upper side. The plan as outlined is to eliminate the roadways crossing this section, because of this steepness and consequent impracticability, and to substitute well-designed and dignified stairways from the upper level on St. Paul Street down to a park on a level with Courtland Street. The general effect to be imparted will be that of the better type of Roman stairways, such as
MOUNT VERNON PLACE WEST
members of the French Commission visited Baltimore last autumn. Commenting on this plan, the Baltimore American states editorially:
“Mr. Hastings’ plans are so completely in harmony with the present spirit of our famous monument and its surroundings that not even the most conservative Baltimorean need fear that the changes will do anything but accentuate the existing atmosphere. And, since the cost to the city will be so relatively insignificant, there is no reason for any feeling that the changes should not be made at this time.”
The St. Paul Square improvement in the very heart of Baltimore, lying between Mount Vernon Square and the City Hall and Courthouse buildings, is a section about three-eighths of a mile
are to be found, for example, in the Scala d’Espagna.
The question of circulation has apparently been very carefully considered, and the planning contemplates the widening of certain parts so as to facilitate easy access to this square, based on known present conditions and the inevitable future expansion of the neighborhood.
The economic advantages of this improvement, the inception of which is due to Mayor Preston’s wise foresight and initiative, are so very marked as to bring home forcibly to the entire citizenry the value to be gained by the completion at one time of both projects as outlined. By this very wise plan there will be created a most beautiful addition to Baltimore, a regeneration of a tract sunk to