1871 - 1875
onstruction
of the new City Hall formally began on January 3, 1871 with the first meeting
of the
"Commission for the Erection of Public Buildings."
inutes of their meetings provide a
fair picture of problems and events occurring throughout the 30 year construction
phase and help to explain the massive and complex project they were charged
with completing.
he first five
years of construction was a period of high expectations and frenzied building
activity:
1871
 |
Jan.
3, 1871
Oct. 1871 |
First Meeting
of Commission - John McArthur Jr. appointed architect - directed to design
plans for 4 separate buildings as well as 1 single building. Site clearing begins President of Commission, John Rice, breaks ground John Sunderland appointed construction superintendent - Excavation underway |
1872
| Apr. 17, 1872 Aug. 12, 1872 |
John Perkins
elected new president of commission. First foundation stone laid |
1873
 |
Jun. 1873
Oct. 1873 Nov. 1873 |
Alexander Milne
Calder starts sculpture work - excavation for tower begins South side of building reaches grade - Marble facade work begins William C. McPherson replaces Sunderland as superintendent |
1874
 |
Apr. 1874
July 1874 |
North &
South foundations joined - foundation work complete Cornerstone set in grand ceremony Excavation, including tower, complete |
1875
 |
Jan. 1875 Apr. 1875 Jun. 1875 Nov. 1875 Dec. 1875 |
Calder given
space in basement for sculpture models Marble facade in full swing - 495 masons at work Building facade complete to 1st story above grade Commissioners occupy basement offices Councils dispute funding request |
