Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-06

OF land along Massachusetts avenue could be
purchased for less than $5 per foot, and said:
could be bought for % per foot, and some for
less. The high water mark 50 far reached is
"a per foot"
But, to return to the subject Of residences fol-
foreign legations. The renting Of the Cameron
house by the Russian minister is impossible fol
one year at least, as it Is leased to Congressman
c. G. Washburne, of Minnesota, for that period
What authority the Russian minister will BRING
back from his government relative to legation
residence is, OF course, not known; but 1t IL
probable that he win be given permission only
to rent a house.
About the time the British minister's residence
was built it was thought that France, Germany
ana several other governments were decided on
the question of erecting legation residences in
this city: The French government went SO far
as TO informally agree to purchase the Jardne
property on Connecticut avenue, where Mr..
Bells laboratory is, for 800 900. but theFranco-
Prussian war came on and this proposition was
lost sight of, amid more important and stirring
matters. 1t is matter Of surprise that the
British government should be the only foreign
power that owns it's legation residence in this
city, but such is the case and likely to be so for
years to come.
NEW HOUSES TO BE ERECTED.
Mrs. A. E. F. Stewart is about to erect hand
some private stable on Sherman street, between
10Th street and New Hampshire avenue and r
street northwest, at cost Of 81, 600.
Mrs. Geo. Todd has commenced the erection
of two-story dwelling on Jefferson Place north
west. This is to be 81 by 40 feet ground plan,
Sc feet high, Of pressed brick front, cornice OF
moulded brick, mansard roof covered with
slate and tin. and to be finished inside with the
finest woods used in building f1rst-class houses.
The plans show finely modelled dwelling, with
all the devices to make comfortable and ele-
giant home. The cost will be $4,000. Mr.. R. /.
10 no nv,H h,,;fJ
Mr.. John Davis of the State department. has
commenced the erection Of a dwelling house for
himself, located on Connecticut avenue, near the
junction Of Rhode Island avenue and
N street northwest, the plans of which
have been described in THE STAR
10 by A feet on the ground, IS feet high; back
building 90 by 10 feet. and two-stories and base
ment; double pitch mansard covered with tin;
pressed brick, moulded brick cOrnces one tower
projection running up two stories, or 80 feet, IA
feet width and feet projection. There is to be
one bay window running up two stories hexa-
gon in form. The plans were made by Mr.. r. I.
Fleming, by whom the dwelling will be erected.
This will rank with the best and most commodi-
Gus dwellings in the city, although not so ex-
pensive as many. The cost will be 81,
WHY MODERATE PRICED HOUSES ARE NOT BUILT.
A STAR reporter asked Mr.. Thomas J. Fisher,
the well-known real estate dealer, why more
demand for them.
ut Is impossible to build houses that can be
rented for s25 per month";" was the reply, 'fn
the West End at the present price Of land. The
outlay OF money would not receive sufficient
return at that rate"
"Are there not other localities where land is
cheaper" asked the reporter
Yves, there are; but people seem to want to
i've there; 1t is convenient to the Car lines and
the departments"
"On Capitol Hill, he continued, "there are
being built number Of small houses. and peO-
pie who want cheap rents are going there. The
small houses will be built fast enough if there is
any money in them"
When Mr.. Danenhower was asked the same
question he said:
"You can't build house to rent for say s25
per month on land that costs 81 per foot. If you
build on land that sells for 40 cents then the in
vestment would pay"
"But the trouble is" he went on, "you can't
get land at such figures this side of street,
and people seem to be disnclined to 90 out
further. The houses that are being rented at
that figure with the bounds Of west Of 7th and
south of P. are mostly old houses without the
modern improvements. The lack of convent
ences are endured rather than to go farther
away from the center, or to pay higher rent"
'Are there, then, no cheap small houses being
erected?" asked the reporter.
"Yes," was the reply; ''there are houses being
erected OF this character on Capitol HILL and in
the southeast, and if people are willing to live
there they can find cheap houses, and as the de-
mand increases suppose that the supply will
increase"
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SMALL HOUSE QUESTION
One of our architects when asked ''Why more
medium-sized houses are not buit3" said:
'That's easily explained, but some cannot see
it. As rule, persons Of moderate circumstances
who want medium or small houses cannot afford
to build, while spectators are waiting for
prices to decline before they build"
There has not been an advance recently" in
quired the reported.
NO." replied the architect, "but since last
fall there has been an advance both in material
and labor-prObably so cents per day on labor.
and an advance on all kinds of material. Per-
sons Of moderate means, of course, look close to
the cost. There are some know who, last fall.
were quite certain Of commencing In the spring.
but the rise caused them to abandon this inten-
ton"
At this point the architect stopped and slowly
remarked; II wish that you would not write
this now, for some Of those contemplating build
Ing may be deferred. Suppose you let this point
alone. don't know but In a few days that iii
have number of other buildings to report.
which may not have II this is reported"