THE NEW ATHENÆUM.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 224, 24 February 1874, Page 6

THE NEW ATHENÆUM.

_«. The new Athenaeum building, for which tenders are now being called, is proposed to be erected in Melmore-street adjoining the Post-office, having principal entrance to that street, and side entrance to Sligo-street. The accommodation is as follows, viz.:—Entrance hall and corridor, 25 x 8, by which access is obtained to reading-room,—a large handsome and well-lighted room, 25« x 22, and 14 feet high from floor to ceiling. At the extreme end of the corridor is the entrance to hall, which latter will be a spacious room, 53 x 32 inside, and 18 feet high. There will be two separate entrances to this room, one as before mentioned from Melmore-street, the other from Sligo-street; the former will be used for front seat entrance, the latter for back do. Door 3 have been placed at stage end of hall for access to retiring rooms. The hall will be heated by means of open fireplaces, and lighted by double-hung windows. Ventilation has been provided for by cast-iron gratings in walls, and by a series of ornamental circular ventilators in ceiling. A fine moulded cornice runs round the hall; above it springs the ceiling, which latter assumes an elliptical form. The style of architecture adopted is the Roman. The Melmore-street front is designed with a series of Corinthian pilasters supporting an entablature with enriched cornice, &c, which is surmounted by a fine balustrade, with piers at centre and ends, the latter sapporting two handsome vases. The entrance doorway is approached by a handsome flight of steps. Sligo-stroet elevation is of simpler design, having a series of Doric pilasters with cornice, &c, above. The building will be executed in stone, plastered inside, and the elevations to Melmore and Sligo-streets finished in Portland cement. The partitions and flight of steps at entrance will bo executed in concrete. Mr F. W. Burwell, of Queenstovvn, is the architect.