City Hall (Anchorage, AK)

Today is going to be a short entry for a couple of reasons.  First, I've got a bear awareness class to attend in a bit.  Second, not really a fan of this building.  Don't get me wrong.  In the context of Anchorage architecture, it's great.  But the classical form and elements seem out of place for the time period and location.  However, back in early 1930s Anchorage, I imagine the classical references are just what the new town of Anchorage was looking for.  Something substantial.  None of that clean lines and stream-lined stuff for the building that would house every operation of the 20 year old city.  They needed something that would represent the stability and growth of the city.  So here it is:

It was designed by the local architect E. Ellsworth Sedille, who designed quite a few really exceptional buildings in Anchorage.  On a side note, after doing some research for work on the history of Anchorage, it becomes apparent that there are a handful of great local architects.  Sedille is certainly one of them and more of his work will be posted soon. Constructed in 1936, City Hall was a Public Works Administration project. 
Today it house the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau.

I'm going to try to include a historic shot with a contemporary at the same angle.  Hopefully that will show any changes to the structures and surrounding area.

And lastly, a bit of animal cruelty in front of the historic structure.  Poor doggy!