Recent developments in the Beck Hall situation make the proposition of the erection of a ten story apartment house a matter of interest to Harvard men in general. A new aspect has been put on the project according to a statement of the purpose of the building issued yesterday by G. P. Davis '14, trustee of the Beck Hall Property.
A group of Harvard graduates are backing the plans for the proposed building. They intend, in the erection of the new Beck Hall, to furnish a permanent home for Harvard alumni and those connected with the University close to the College itself. Advantageous in its position near the Harvard Union, with entrance on Harvard Street, it will be possible for graduates of the University to make it a center of their activities while here in Cambridge. Davis stated that the construction of an assembly hall for social functions had even been considered.
The statement issued yesterday follows
"Even though the present Beck Hall building is to give way to a modern structure the University aspect will not be entirely effaced. It is proposed to provide a permanent home for the Harvard Alumni in a spot happily situated directly across from the home of the undergraduate, the Harvard Union. Here Harvard men connected in some way with the University may make their home in company with their families and enjoy the double advantage of residing in close proximity to their alma matter. At the same time enjoying the conveniences and appurtenances of a first class modern building.
"Harvard men are in back of the idea. Harvard men will-continue to back the project. It is proposed that a representative group of well known graduates will form the Directorate of the finished building. The shops along Massachusetts Avenue will provide easy shopping facilities and the garage will take care of a problem that has proved embarrassing to residents in the past.
"A large down-town department store has offered to open a branch of its Bos- ton store in the new building, thus enabling residents and their families added facility and comfort in their shopping. In the modern Beck Hall families may receive their friends in an atmosphere that will in every way harmonize with the University atmosphere without the hustle and discomfort attached as at present to quarters provided in Boston. It has even further been proposed to construct in the building a large assembly and banquet hall where graduates may meet for any social function no matter how large, furnishing quarters for larger gatherings interested in music or lectures than now obtains in any of the limited space allowed for such functions Commencement week will find all Harvard alumni together in Cambridge where they belong with ample space and ample facilities awaiting their beck and call.
