Up on the hill…
October 11th, 2007, 11:37 am · Post a Comment · posted by Linda Weller
I’ve attended two meetings this week in the Alton City Hall, walking up the steps of the old building and entering the “new” government center. Each time I give some thought to the changed surroundings.
For those who haven’t ventured to 101 E. Third St. since City Hall re-opened in February, new and old mesh comfortably throughout the building. The grand staircase in the middle is familiar - albeit spiffed up - but the orange wall setting it off from behind wasn’t there last year.
Two previously neglected, ornate antique light fixtures that construction workers removed from the now gone, two-story auditorium, drop dramatically above the stairs. They seem to fit in well in their second round of service to the city.
What should please preservationists is that architectural details - such as ornate dentils above the doors that once blended into obscurity by matching bland walls around them - are painted in several colors so they really stand out. In older buildings in particular, it’s all about the details.
I’ve written extensively about the improvements in the building as the $3+ million in work progressed. You have to see it in person, though, to take in the full effect and to form an opinion as to whether you like the results or not.
What do you think? Or should the city have incurred considerably more expense and built a new City Hall?
On the “down” side of New City Hall, so far the biggest complaints I’ve heard are:
* The “monster,” as officials refer to the massive wooden podium in City Council Chambers that is difficult to move out of the way and has some electrical connection issues. On Monday, Mayor Don Sandidge asked the tableful of offiicals that the “monster” blocked from his view to stand up when speaking so they could be heard by the full council. Apparently help is on the way…. someday?
* The massive staircase that leads from the newly renovated City Hall parking lot south to Easton Street behind Gentelin’s On Broadway is attractive and makes it safer for people wanting to make the shortcut climb - or descent. The accompanying block wall that was built out from the old crumbling limestone one, which badly needed shoring up, also makes the hillside more secure.
However, for some odd reason , there is a 6-foot-wide stretch of pavement outside the 33-inch-tall railing that runs along the length of most of the parking lot. I have seen people climb over to the “perch” to take pictures of the riverfront from my vantage point by a window on the third floor of The Telegraph. Some officials have expressed concern that young skateboarders might try out the wall top and fall to suffer serious injuries. Actually, anyone could slip or lose his or her balance and take a tumble down the grassy hill, then another 10 feet down a couple of walls. So, stay off of it!
A landscape designer from Chicago met with Alton Park and Recreation Executive Director Mike Drake on July 25 concerning extending rails to cover gaps on the east and west ends, and possibly to install large planters to discourage people from getting on the top surface. They haven’t arrived yet.
At Monday’s meeting of the Committee of the Whole, 7th Ward Alderman David Boulds asked if the rail extensions would be up in time for an April 12 Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau reception for Abraham Lincoln Presenters. “I would like to see them up by then,” he said.
Why? Alcohol will be served at the event on the parking lot, with none to be allowed inside City Hall. Boulds, a retired firefighter/paramedic, didn’t want anyone to fall and get hurt.
I don’t know what precautions they will take concerning the stairs….
Sandidge said several months ago that the city will hold a dedication and open house once the parking lot/wall portion of the project is finished. So far, they haven’t given notice of the ceremony’s time and date.
