Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1895 — Second Story Sidewalks. [ARTICLE]

Second Story Sidewalks.

A plan has been proposed by George D. Boulton, of the First National bank, at Chicago, for increasing the sidewalk capacity of that city. Mr. Boulton had in mind particularly the sidewalks on Wabash avenue, but after carrying the plan to its logical conclusion he became convinced that it can be put into effect on other down tow’n streets. The plan provides for a continuous duplicate walk above the present sidewalk, on each side of Wabash avenue, from Lake street to Congress, the walk to be constructed of glass and iron, ornamental in its character, and to be level with the second story of the buildings adjacent thereto. The advantages claimed for it are many. A few of them are : Persons using it would be absolutely free from the many dangers that now threaten them, and from the dust and dirt encountered on the lower level; in bad weather the upper sidewalk would afford shelter from the rain or snow, making the covered way underneath under such conditions most desirable; the owners of buildings would have two main floors where they now have one, making them more valuable; the retail business of the city would be carried on on the upper level; patrons of elevated railways would be enabled to transact their business without descending to the lower level. Mr. Boulton says that unqualified approval has been given by those to whom the plan has been submitted.