Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman,
Architect
230 to 236 LaSalle St.

Chicago, Sept 24th 1890

My dear Draper:

Your favor of the 18th inst. came to hand in my absence from the office, and hence the delay in answering it.

The estimates for Heating your house, range about as estimates here, but as to the quality of work furnished by the firm named, I cannot, of course, give you any light. They ought to make an efficient apparatus for you at the prices you have named. They ought to guarantee it to heat the house to a temperature of 70 degrees when the outside temperature is 20 degrees below zero, and have it so stipulated in the Contract.

I do not quite understand what you have in mind as to the size of the story to be added.

If you carry up the walls of the new part directly over the walls below, the portico in front need not be disturbed -- the present columns would seem sufficient to carry the roof and ceiling of the present portico. If you propose to build the front wall of the second story on these columns, it is doubtful if the piers and foundations under same would carry the additional weight. If you intend to have a new portico, the "kind of pillars" would depend wholly on the style and design of the new portico; and it might mislead you were I to state the kind most appropriate; as I might be thinking of one style and you of another. Better have some architect submit a design for same, unless you and Mrs. Draper can explain to your builder what is wanted.

I send you a hasty sketch of two plans for dividing the rooms of the new second story, which may aid you somewhat in determining what you will eventually build; but both contemplate building the walls on those of the first story; and from your letter I infer you have some other plan in your mind.

As to the size of the windows -- if you make a gable roof over the new part, and the same height of the north bldg., it would be appropriate to copy the windows in that part. But of this you had better have some architect or good builder sketch a satisfactory design for same. If a hip-roof is adopted, then half dormer windows extending below and above the roof might be employed; -- if not dormers, then the windows must be entirely under the roof cornice, and must be shorter.

I feel great timidity in suggesting any particular size, as it is clear I did not get a correct idea of Mrs. D.'s wishes in the matter.

Sincerely yours, etc.,
S. V. Shipman, archt.