1891-1901
he reality
of a completed masterpiece was finally in sight as the third decade of
construction began. Major hurdles of the 1880's had been cleared as many
of the building's occupants began moving in.
ew challenges would now beset the commission
as technology would require modifications to completed areas and the political
machine of the City would attempt a takeover.
1891
 |
Jan. 1891
June 1891 Aug. 1891 |
Councils provide
$750,000 of $1,733,900 request. State Supreme Court opens in permanent courtroom 454. New engines and dynamos are installed to provide electric power. Five years of chiseling walls begins for electric wiring. Tower is complete to 337 feet. Most courtrooms and offices on south side completed. |
1892
 |
Jan. 1892 May 1892 Sept. 1892 Nov. 1892 |
Councils provide
$800,000 of $1,767,571 request. Additional elevators planned for corner pavilions. More Interior rooms on east and west side completed and occupied. William Penn statue completed and displayed in courtyard. |
1893
 |
Jan. 1893
May 1893 Nov. 1893 |
Councils provide
$50,000 as dispute erupts with Commission. Workers are laid off as Mayor
Stuart and political boss Boise Penrose attempt to take over project and
abolish Commission. Governor signs a bill to abolish Commission. State Supreme Court overturns the bill. Architect John Ord resigns in salary dispute due to minimal appropriation.W. Bleddyn Powell named new architect. |
1894
 |
Jan. 1894
May 1894 |
Councils provide
$626,992 of $1,832,360 request.
Structural cracks appear in base of tower. W. Bleddyn Powell begins modifications to Conversation Hall to reinforce tower. William Penn statue set atop tower. |
1895
| Jan. 1895 Sept. 1895 |
Councils provide
$756,000 Councils occupy completed chambers on 4th floor north side. |
1896
| Jan. 1896 June 1896 Dec. 1896 |
Councils provide
$1,000,000 of $2,000,000 requested Tower cladding is completed. First phase of electric wiring completed. |
1897
 |
Jan. 1897
|
Councils provide
$1,000,000 for construction. Mayor Warwick occupies new offices and Reception
room on north side. Increased demand for electric lighting requires new phase of wiring and additional boilers and dynamos for power. |
1898
| Jan. 1898
July 1898 |
Lumber stored
on sixth floor catches fire and damages corridor and Law Library delaying
occupancy. Law Library is dedicated and Association occupies building. |
1899
| Jan. 1, 1899 Mar. 1899 May 1899 |
Tower clock
started at midnight, New Year's day. Commission fields several requests from building occupants for office alterations. Councils request cost estimate to complete building. Second phase of electric wiring proceeds. |
1900
 |
Jan. 1900 | Architect, W. Bleddyn Powell provides Councils with an estimate for $2,883,365 to complete the building. Councils provide $625,517, barely enough to cover operating costs for the year. |
1901
| Jan. 1901
May 20,1901 |
Councils provide
$399,651 of $760,135 request. New electric elevator for tower is completed. State Legislature repeals Act of August 5, 1870, effectively dissolving the Building Commission and turning control of the new City Hall over to the City. Architect prepares final report to Commission as Commission officially turns the building over to the City. |
