Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 296, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1915 — MAY ERECT FINE CITY HALL BUILDING [ARTICLE]

MAY ERECT FINE CITY HALL BUILDING

Mayo? Trikes Option On Raflph Fendig Property and Gets Plain For Beautifql Structure.

Rensselaer may have a fine new city hall. The plans have gone so far that Mayor Spitler has secured an option on the Ralph Fendig property on Van Rensselaer and Harrison streets and has secured from a South Bend architect rough plans for a new building. Should the plans go through the 28 feet on Van Rensselaer street, now occupied by the fire engine station and City Teamster Zea’s residence, would be sold and it is probable that almost if not fully enough realized to pay for the Fendig property a half block south.

The h'ouse how on the lot would be sold and moved away and a twortory brick building erected. It would contain the council chamber, offices for the mayor, treasurer, cleric and attorney, also the engine house and a flat for the teamster and family. Pt is probable that additional rooms would Be provided and offered for rent, thus realizing sufficient for the maintenance of the building. Should the city officers named occupy the rooms provided for them they would be expected to pay rent for them, as they would be used for conducting the businesses in which the officers are privately engaged. While the steps taken are altogether 'without the approving action necessary to carty the plans to conclusion, Mayor Spitler, City Attorney Leopold and others are In hearty sympathy with the movement and think that Rensselaer should not longer delay the erection of a city hall. It is estimated that the cost of construction would be $10,006. This would add a little tax to all taxpayers but the improvement and its influence in making a “Greater Rensselaer” seems to justify the expenditure.