He had often wondered how it was possible that other millionaires
could overlook and miss such opportunities to distribute surplus funds
among the people. Gertrude early observed the city's needs, and had
pointed out the opportunity to George, urging that part of her father's
money should be united with their own increasing wealth to supply funds
for the execution of their plans.
The four committees appointed by city and county acted speedily in the
consideration of details. It was decided to construct a group of
buildings on the park. The architecture adopted for all four structures
was Romanesque in style; granite was used for wall work, and darker stone
for ornamentation. The plans accepted exhibited less massiveness than the
original Romanesque, and showed a tendency towards the lightness and
delicacy of finish which modern culture demands.
The new court house located on the park enabled the architect to connect
it by an historical "Bridge of Sighs" with the prison and old court house
across the street. The city hall was properly made the most prominent of
the group of buildings. Its first floor and basement were combined in a
great assembly hall, capable of seating 10,000 people with an abundance
of light, fresh air, and eight broad entrances for exit.
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