National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-06
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
Element in Building-A Granite E

A New Element IN bulldlng-A Granite BLOCK
The first block of granite houses ever built in
Washing ton is in process Of construction on Capt.
tai Hill, at the southwest corner Of New Jersey
avenue and B street. southeast. The block is
nearly completed, and will be one OF the most i'm
posing structures in the city. The style is plain
and the design OF simple treatment Bat the
conspicuous prominence of position gives to 1t a
10 " and substantial air, which attracts the atten-
ton of every observer.
The exterior is entirely OF granite from the
quArries Of the Cape Ann Granite Company, Of
Massachusetts.
The ground upon which the block stands is
about eighty feet on New Jersey avenue and
nearly ninety feet on street, and the block CON-
prises three houses, two fronting on New Jersey
avenue, the corner house fronting on street.
point of attraction, and is being finished in an
elaborate and elegant manner. The entrance
from b street is Dy hall eighteen feet in width.
From this hall stairway five feet wide ascends
to the top Of the house and an opening to the
eupola which surmOunts the building. The
finish OF this stairway is TO be in black walnut
and white ash. From this hall on the principal
floor opens a magnificent parlor tTenty-four by
thirty live feet, finished in light tint and gold
This parlor occupies the corner, looking out
upon both New Jersey avenue and upon street,
On the opposite side OF the hall are dining room
and library, both finished in fall keeping with
the appointments Of the parlor and hall, In hard
wood in native colOTs. In the stories above are
the usual compliment Of dressing rooms, BATH
rooms and chambers. while in the basement are
offices kitchen, Winecellars, store-rooms &c, Sc.
This house is being built as the private residence
Of the owner, General Butler, OF Massachusetts.
The second house is also for a private residence,
and is already finished in style Of elegance and
convenience fully corresponding TO the exterior OF
the whole block. The third house is already
completed. and is to be occupied by the United
States. This is finished fre-prOOf, to hold the
archives Of the office of the Coast Survey, and
needs no special description.
This block, in the material Ct which 1t is
constructed, marks a new era in buildings for pri
waite residences, and does credit as we'll to its
owners as to the architect and builders.
The designs are by Mr.. ]. 5. Hill; the building
is under the superintendent Of Mr.. Clough, OF
Mass; the carpenters work by Mr.. Watson; eaS
plastering by Mr.. hughes, Of Washington; the
painting by Mr.. Flood. OF Boston, and the labor
performed by the days WORK, thus giving en-
ployH ent to mechanics and laborers Of Washing
ton. The cost Of the block will be about $50 600.
Whether or not the public character OF the owner
adds anything to the prominence of this new
improvement is source Of general, local and
national interest that such men Of wealth as Gen.
Butler are disposed to invest money in costly and
elegant private residences in our city. Every
such addition brings not only increased wealth
and population but is strong incentive TO other
men of wealth, public prominence and cllture to
follow the example, and all such are more than
welcomed by citizens Of Washington.