Edward P. Simon of Simon and Simon Architects of Philadelphia was introduced at a meeting by William H. Hough, president of the Chamber of Commerce held yesterday afternoon in the courthouse where plans for a million-dollar building to be built on the site of the courthouse to house all county and city offices and the jail were proposed.

The building, the architect claims, would be self-liquidating in 22 years with the basement and first floor being rented for stores and a bus terminal.

A committee of seven is to be appointed shortly to study the details and report back to city and county officials and businessmen who heard the proposal yesterday.

City and county officials, directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Committee of 100, representatives of the banking, legal profession and other business and industrial leaders of Williamsport were invited to attend the meeting.

Simon estimated a modern building such as he showed in his sketch and floor plans could be erected a cost of approximately one million dollars in from seven to nine months.

The first floor of the building would be dedicated to an arcade, stores and a bus terminal. The terminal would be located in the rear on the street level with a loading platform and public waiting room adjacent. A ramp leading to a parking area in the basement where there would be parking for about 200 cars. The upper floors would be reached by escalators and elevators. The second floor would contain two court rooms and other county offices and there would be a mezzanine floor devoted to county offices. The third floor would be the city hall. It would contain all the city offices.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.