Bank's Construction Delayed

Conflict between Georgian and modern architecture has held up the construction of the new Harvard Trust building. The board of 19 directors has been unable to decide on a final design for the new facade, although architects have submitted 50 sketches.

Arthur M. Wright, the bank's treasurer, said that the members of the board of directors over 50 years of age tended towards the Georgian, feeling that the present aspect of Harvard Square should not be changed. The younger group, Wright added, leans towards the modern types.

Wright himself stands at a point "halfway between the two, if one can imagine that." He said that "a building in the modern vein has pretty much been decided upon," although there has been no final approval made to solve this "real problem."

George E. Bates, James R. Williston Professor of Investment Management and a member of the board of directors, claimed that "there will always be great differences of opinion on the Georgian modern controversy." Bates himself was "not prejudiced one way or the other. I would like a good modern or a good Georgian," he said.

Another bank director, George G. Tarbell, was in favor of a facade which was "modern but not extremely contemporary." He felt that the personal tastes of the directors should not completely rule the final decisions.

"While I am definitely of the older generation and would prefer colonial style in my own house, the younger generation leans naturally towards the contemporary. Since they are going to grow up with it, their preferences should be given consideration, Tarbell added.