comparison between the original and improved elevations is seen in the photographs submitted. When the heating engineer visited the grounds and examined the plans, he stated that a cellar below the present basement was a necessity, in order to return the condensed steam to the boilers This cellar was also added to the original plan. In making these changes the question of cost was not considered, further than to accomplish that which was necessary to be done in the most economical manner. There could be no question about employing a cheaper construction when it was better; and as regards changes by which the cost is increased, it would have been poor policy not to have made them when evidently necessary. These changes have been discussed at length in report of November 30, '68. It being late in the fall when the grading was completed it was thought best to spend the winter in collecting material ready for a start on the foundations in the spring. The first stone was laid April 29, 1869. The work progressed favorably until the middle of June; at that time the contractor was taken sick with severe inflammation of the eyes and continued so for some six weeks, during which time work was almost suspended. During the latter part of July, the contractor's general health was restored, but his eyesight was permanently injured. Being no longer able to read, and examine plans or go about the scaffolding with safety, he concluded to sub-let the brick work, which he did on the 27th of July. It was hoped by this arrangement we would recover lost time, and have got the building under roof this fall, but the extraordinary wet weather has so retarded the making of brick and inundated the country from which the wood was procured for burning them, that we have had to suspend operations until spring. The building is now leveled off at the second floor of joists, completing the first story of brickwork above the basement. The material on hand for operations early in the spring, are as follows: Nearly all the lumber. The frames and sash, brackets and mouldings for cornice. Cast iron columns, sash weights, etc. 500 feet of cut stone. 800,000 brick. There is no doubt that the roof can be put on and the building enclosed by the middle of June. Up to date I have estimated the following work and material: Grading, (first contract) W. S. Horton...... Grading, (second contract) H. D. Washburn....... Estimates on building, W. R. Craig......... Grading, D. L. Royer.... Superintendent's salary, and wood, W. Ward........ Total....... $ 1,778.70 1,663.83 1,288.46 75.00 69,894.62 300.00 2,024.00 $ 77,029.61 The amount estimated may be considered as the actual value of the work done and materials on hand. The estimates required to finish the building cannot be accurately calculated, because the prices of labor and material may change to some extent. At present rates it will be about $66,000. The contract price being $121,500, it will be seen by the above that the contractor has agreed to do the work for the State for about fourteen thousand dollars less than its cost to himself. It may be premature to notice this fact at this time, when he has given bonds for the faithful performance of his contract; but if, when he has drawn $100,000, as provided in contract, he fails to proceed with and complete the building, the State must be deprived of its use for at least two years, during which time it might suffer material injury, should not this contingency be provided against by the present legislature. I do not say that the building can be completed for the amounts specified. It would evidently be unjust to the contractor to calculate other than the lowest rates. In estimating the cost of the west wing, a cellar story is calculated below the foundations of the present building, it was necessary to sink the foundations to this depth on account of the nature of the ground. As there is no cellarage in the other part, this will be found a great convenience. In report of November, 1868, I suggested that the east wing be so divided as to be occupied by the pupils of both sexes. Upon further consideration, it would be useless to incur expense for this temporary purpose. The building cannot be convenient, or the sexes properly separated until the west wing is erected; therefore, I would recommend, if possible, that it be built and carried up with the other parts of the work. Dimension stone in footings... 1,300 perch of rubble stone at ten dollars... 1,500.00 13,000.00 1,820.00 .... 3,675.00 3,440.00 3,600.00 35,000 brick in paving, sewers, etc., at fifteen dollars.. 525.00 |