Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-02

AND CONNECTICUT AVENUE
The architects and builders of this District,
~ general thing. have had their hands full
this season, though earlier i'm the year it was
feared the action taken by the mechanics In fix
lag higher rate of wages, together with the
advance made in the prices Of material for
building, would have a very damaging effect.
IL IL no doubt true that an undue publication
at the prospects of building boom in the earlier
part of the season had the effect of raising the
price of labor and material to such extent as to
deter many from going on with their work this
year.
Prominent architects and builders state that
the prospects have changed entirely since the
early spring, and that now they are much better
and altogether more favorable for those who
desire to erect houses. Mechanics wages have
been fixed by the joint action of both the build
ers and workmen. the prices being based upon
the value OF a mechanics labor rather than an
arbitrary uniform figure for all of the same
guild.
REDUCTION IN COST OF MATERIAL.
The figures for material. such as lumber,
bricks. hardware &c, have all come down to
fair and reasonable rates since the season
opened. and it is altogether probable that con-
satisfactorily to those proposing to erect dwell
lings than could have been done last spring.
Many who realize these facts have recently taken
out permits for building, and the prospects look
Ialr Tor constant employment OF mechanics and
artiZans all the coming fall and winter There ia
no reason why buildings cannot be erected in
this city during the winter months as well as i'm
New York, Chicago and other northern and
western cities where the climate is much colder
builder when interrogated upon this topic by
STAR reporter said: ''We it is an old custom
here to shut up shop in the winter and IT is hard
TO change the habit Experienced builders say
that there is no better time than the present TO
commence a change, and if those DESTROYS of
erecting houses knew what was for their best
interests they would have their plans prepared
their permits taken out, contracts made and
their buildings put under roof before the cold
and stormy season commences so that the work.
men can trim them out and do the inside work
during the winter months.
A BUILDING THAT SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE
One of the finest dwellings probably ever
erected in this city, now just completed. was
commenced in the manner indicated-that of
the Hon. Stanley Matthews, on the prominent
and handsome site corner of street and Con-
necticut avenue. Work was commenced on the
structure about the first of September one year
ago visit to this mansion will convince any
one how good work can be done by taking time
and not rushing the construction too much
The best judges c0ncede this to be among the
Best, If not tine best Job ever completed i'm this
CITY, The material is of the best that could be
procured; the plan, appointment of rooms
adaptation Tor the fullest measure OF con-
venience and comfort elegance of style, sOdity
OF appearance. &c, rank it foremost among the
elegant mansions of the west end of the CITY,
THE sUPERsrRUcTURE
1s OF pressed and moulded brick. with belt
courses and trimmings of stone. The entrance
way is on street into an ample vestibuIe and
hall, with open fireplace, high ceilings, VAIN
scoaflng In six-inch panel work of solid oak
with hard oil finish.
The basement contains two furnaces for heat
ing the house. coal bins, wash-rOOm kitchen
wne-roOm, drying ROOM servants rooms. yege-
Table room, pantrieS, servants sleeping rooms
0unho waiter, Closets. trunk-lift extending
from basement to garnet, &C., all in the natural
woods, hard oil finish, and without paint. On
the nrst floor is the dining room and receptiOn-
room, adjoining the hall. The mantels are of
cherry with mirrors and ireplaces. finished up
IN Chelsea (English) tile of unique design
THE RECEPTION ROOM
includes the first round tower room at the cor
ner, giving very pleasing effect The inside
shutters are also Of cherry. This room commu-
nicates with the parlOrs through high folding
doors of solid oak on white pine ground. There
are picture mo uldings throughout the entire
house corresponding to the finish of the rooms.
The floors throughout are of Georgia pine. and
81 doors are OF oak, except in few cases. with
eherry or other hard wood panels. All doors
are mounted with bronze hinges. knobs locks.
DC The parlOrs are capacious and look out on
connecticut avenue. These rooms are finished
IN cnerry. With mantle of same and Chelsea tile
nnish to fire-places- Ali these rooms are fin
1shed IN the natural woods, seasoned perfectly.
ana the nnish is as smooth as the finest piano
work The music room. Is by 80 feet, is on the
same noor, and connected with the parlOrs and
dressing room By a wide hall and folding doors.
also of oak This room is finished in cherry
with mantles of same, and tile fire-places The
transom lights above the windows and doors are
Oh tinted glass, with lead sash. giving mellow
ngnt throughout The fireplace in the main
nan is In one corner and constructed of fancy
orlckwork. with ornamental terra Gotta frieZe in
mantle ana heayy blue stone cap over mantle.
THE STAIRWAY
One or the features of this mansion is the
heavy and ample stairway, of square structure.
easy ascent and convenient landings, with heavy
neweli-posts. ratings and balusters. with panel
base rise and tread, all of solid oak from the Dot
tom to the top. large pier glass in oak frame
work Is fixed at the entrance Of the stair hall.
The uniform size of the thousands of paneIs ia
six inches square, and all in the finest cabinet
oak and as smooth as a polished mirror The
walls ABOVE the WainScOatlng and the ceilings
are OF sand finish. The vestbule floor ia Of
small angular thing, In slate and red cOlOrs sur
rounded by oak panel wainscOating. The yesti
Due and transom-lights are In fancy colOred
glass.
THE LIBRARY
Is In the second story and looks out on
street. The size is IS by % feet, and the whole
finish, including the bookcases, Is. In solid oak
wood. large bed chamber includes the tower
room; the nantes OF cherry, fire-places of fancy
brick, terra Gotta and Chelsea tile. large
packing closet and large open hall, bathroom
and closet and other closets, fitted up with shely
ing and drawers suited to packing and storing
OF clothing. and q bed chamber, Is by "a feet
with lookout on Connecticut avenue. make mn
the appointments to this story. f
feriect ventilation is secured to every rom
IA the mouse The third story has bathroom
ana closet same as the story below. All the
water closets are Of the DeInorest pattern with
the Burdett attachment all mountnps being In
nickel plate finish. The chamber over tho
library Is OF the same size as the library with
rosewood mantle. and white pine cabinet finish
throughout. large closet fitted nm with
saeives and drawers Is connected with this
room An immense staned-gass window In