As the leading architect of Atlanta and the Southeastern United States in the late 19th century, G.L. Norrman was widely recognized in the region for his outstanding designs; yet he was also well-known for his outspoken and often unorthodox views — on architecture, art, culture, good taste, morals, and just about anything else.
With his acerbic wit and passionate opinions, Norrman was a favorite subject of the Atlanta newspapers, who frequently published letters from him and solicited his comments for their stories.
This is the first in a series of posts that contain most of Norrman’s significant published remarks from 1885-1907. You can also read the full text of his self-published pamphlet Architecture as Illustrative of Religious Belief and As a Means of Tracing Civilization on this site.
Besides Norrman’s work, his words are perhaps the best glimpse into the mind of a man who was as intriguing as he was enigmatic.
On the Need for Market Houses in Atlanta (1888)
The background: In August 1888, P.J. Moran, a member of the Atlanta city council, proposed an ordinance for the establishment of central market houses owned and operated by the city, based on the public market house in Charleston, South Carolina (picture above), which is still in operation.
G.L. Norrman was clearly in favor of the plan, and expressed his thoughts for the August 23, 1888 edition of The Atlanta Constitution, in an article entitled “The Market Houses”. In typical Atlanta fashion, the council deliberated the idea for years but took no serious action, and the plan eventually fizzled out.
Norrman’s remarks:
“I am very much interested in the market house project started by Councilman Moran. I have given the matter a good deal of study. My idea is that the markets should be erected between Peachtree and Broad Streets, in the rear of the National hotel. This space is not occupied at present and it probably could be purchased by the city at a cheap figure. But if it is not practicable to get this, let the city have one markethouse for south Atlanta and one for north Atlanta. Just where they should be located I cannot say, but they ought to be in convenient localities. Atlanta should lose no time in abolishing the many meat stores which are to be found in nearly every street. It is a wonder that they have not bred disease long ago. In these stores are all sorts of perishable articles which are permitted to decay. The city needs nothing so badly as it needs adequate market houses. I trust that the ordinance introduced by Mr. Moran will be carried into effect.”