Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-18
THE FLATS BUILDINGS.

Five - BE Erected this spring-The
Large Amouns Of Capital Invested
The Problem OF - Cheap Flats''-More
The Introduction Of "dats buildings" in this
city has attracted considerable attention not
only from capitalists but also among that num-
erous class who live In rented houses In spite.
however, Of the public interest which each new
building Of this sort has aroused. the extent to
which 1t has been carried on, and the large sums
OF money invested Is not generally appreciated.
There are now 1ve Of these buildings either in
progress Of erection or upon which the work
will begin this spring. and the money that will
be expended In their erection Is estimated to be
in the neighborhood Of e7o0. 900. This is large
sum to be invested In real estate improvements,
especially In this city. where land Is compare
lively cheap. 1t seems to be the general opn-
Ion among real estate men that this outlay of
capital will prove highly remunerative. and the
projectors themselves say that there will be no
difficulty In renting the apartments.
A CASE IN POINT.
While STAR reporter was in the Office Of Mr..
Paine-who Is interested in these buildings
yesterday, lady called to inquire about apart
| ments In the new flats. She was told that the
plans had not been received as yet, and she said,
In explanation, 81 thought that had better
call early, as the suites might be all taken by
others. l wanted" she continued, "a suite OF
rooms suitable for my husband and myself, and
| would rather not be in large bNilding. We
want the comforts Of a home without some OF
| the discomforts attending housekeeping"
Some reference was made to the cost. and the
lady asked II a " fat" could not be built with
apartments to rent at about $50 per month.
How many rooms would you want 2" asked
Mr.. Paine.
well we should need a Kitchen. dining
room, library, parlor. bedroom, closets and
other conveniences." was the reply.
with that number of rooms In suite, and
properly arranged. there should be two bed
rooms. think that rental of $50 or $50 per
month would pay, but don't see how build
ing of this character. properly constructed could
be rented for much less"
After further conversation the lady left her
address, in order that she might be notified
when the plans arrived, and took her departure.
CHEAP AND HIGH PRICED FLATS.
THE STAR reporter, knowing the great inter-
est manifested in the subject Of cheap flats, con-
tinued the conversation by asking Mr.. Paine
why such q building would not pay at lower
rental
81 only know" was the reply, "that have
| not been able to figure profit out of much less
| than $50 per month. Of course. II I put up
| mere shell of a building profit might be OBJ
tanned from rental Of $25 per month. But
| don't care to put up such buildings. If the
| ground could be secured at a reasonable figure
| think that good building could be erected
| with suites renting at S35 or $40 per month
Such building" he continued, "would no
| doubt be we'll patronized In this city"
THE DEMAND FOR SUITES
There is, however, a demand for elegant
| suites of rooms, regardless Of the rental, and
the buildings now contemplated are to meet
this demand. The most elegant of these is
THE Lafayette" at the corner of 10th and HI
streets. 1t will be begun early next month.
and will not be completed until some time next
| year. making as has been stated in The STAR,
| the most costly and elegant building ever erect
! ed in this city by private means. The estimated
cost will be $500. 900. The suites of rooms in
| this building will be rented at prices ranging
! from $40 o to So, 600 per year.
| THE Richmond" another elegant building
| is now in progress of erection on the corner of
! 18th and I'll streets. This building will cost
$50. COO. and the suites Of rooms will be rented
| at about the same terms as the apartments at
| The Portland" which range from 81 200 to
| S1.6OO per annum. 1t is the intention of the
owners to sell these apartments outright SUBJ
| ject only to the annual charge for heat, light
| and repairs. This is done In New York with
success. and the occupants have the satisfaction
| of owning their own homes The title to the
| land upon which the building ia erected is vest
ca la ttiC Wv uVIS vi tuc tpdt III
| is expected to have this building ready for
! occupancy 10y October.
! The working plans for the proposed flats build
| Ing on the triangular space at n street and New
| Hampshire avenue are being prepared. and it is
expected to begin the work of erection about
! the first of the coming month. This building as
the readers of THE STAR are aware, is Of q novel
| style Of architecture. being built around GEN.
trail court and the apartments occupy the entire
| depth of each floor. The rental will be more
| moderate than either Of the others. and will
| range from $50 to $40 per month. The cost of
| the building will be $65, 900.
| The two buildings known az the Bachelor
Flats"-One next to the new Metropolitan Club
House and the other farther west on the north
side of h street are nearing completion. These
flats will be exclusively for gentlemen, and will
be the only buildings Of the kind in the city.
OTHER FLATS TO BE BUILT.
There is no doubt that before the season
closes one, and perhaps two, flats buildings
| will be erected to meet the demand for cheap
| flats. The exact locality will depend upon the
price of the land. 1t is probable that one will
be built on Capitol hill, and there is some talk
of building one in the northeastern part Of the
city. As yet, however. there is nothing definite
| decided upOn. except that the capital can be
| obtained for such enterprises as soon as it Is
evident that they are feasible.
GFor The EVENING STAR.
The Offering.