National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-10-10

The building improvements or tho past
year amounted in value to 50, 007,28 There
were nearly 1000 permits issued. There
was an increase Of over 400 houses over the
last building year. The largest number Of
permits were granted for the erection of
small houses. The investment In this class
Of houses has paid so well that the boom
in that direction continues. Large amounts
Of unoccupied ground have been purchased
lately by investors in different sections OF
the city, particularly in the northern,
northwestern, and eastern parts, and
at no late day many houses will
be seen going up In places that have
long been unimproved. The East Washing
ton Building and Improving Company,
numbering among Its members some of tho
wealthy men OF that section, have within
the past few months been quietly buying
improved and unimproved property in East
Washington. They find that their invest
ments have been well repaid.
Inspector Of Buildings Entwisle thinks
that the next building season will excel any
known heretofore. The real estate men
have plans projected for the purchase aud
erection of many fine houses In the city,.
at is only a question of very short
time" remarked one who deals largely In
suburban property, "that the suburban
places will be made part Of Washington.
On the north side OF the city the rate of In.
crease In population has been astonishingly
large, and the increase Of buildings has
Kept pace with that OF the population
Land that could be bought at few cents
not long ago, on the thoroughfares leading
out OF town, has advanced suddenly to an
astonishing price. Fine buildings are max
ing their way northward, and the hill tops
surrounding Washington will In short
time be studded with them"
Many Of the leading architects in review.
ing their work for the past year express
much surprise ut the work that they had In
hand. "There seems to be no limit to IL,
remarked well known member OF that
profession, "and there are many pleasant
things connected with the increased cree
tions OF houses in Washington. To-day
am called to plan cheap but neat and com
Portable house, likely tho next day an
asked to plan for q magnificent residence
or costly row of houses. There does moi
seem TO be an end TO these things. Place!
that know to-day to he a waste should
visit them few weeks later / will find then
dotted with handsome buildings. III thu
building boom in Washington had been o.
a sudden and feverish character l coult
give some reasons for the same, but such 4
not the case. 1t began but few years az,
| in moderate way. A few little houses wer
put up In remote sections Of the city
In little while costlier houses were put vi
in the northwest end. A rivalry seemed 4
exist among people desiring to build. AL
| manner of plans and designs were sug
| gested, not only for the outside, but for th,
Inside. can assure you that Wash
ington can now show to the world tn
most luxurious tastes In the way Of orna
mental building. The people of this cit
do not know the marvellous Workmanship
that is put in many Of the handsome house
here.
"Thc era of plaster has given away h
that of wood and tile. The beautiful worl
in wood for the inside walls and floors re
quires not only OF the architect n goo
knowledge OF effect, but 1t exacts OF tn
builder and workman skill that Is oul,
attained by careful study. / will ventur
to say that house planning for Washingto
to-day must be done in way not to col
flct with existing architecture. II Wast
ington has gained worldwide reputatio
from the outside appearance OF Its housl
peep into the interiors Of the same woul
double insure the popularity, already a
tanned. This city is a wonder"
Builders also spoke In happy tern
Of the work they had In hand. b
fortunes, 1t is understood, have bee
made by few popular builders. They
turn have appreciated the benefits bestowt
upon them by the people Of Washington
erecting handsome residences either Il
themselves or for profit.
Business men say that the vast amour
Of money expended In tho construction
buildings in this city have been circulat,
freely among them, and have given the
lifts In life and ambition, which they Apr
ciate. Tie drift Of conversation among Il
working classes tended to show that VOL
for all trades was given healthy impetu
At times the work was that extensive tn
help could not be obtained. Among u
watchful ones who year by ye
study the city's growth words Of che
are heard. at is astonishing VIII
strides our city has taken in SO little
time" remarked q whitc-haired and We
cradle citizen. Everything improves.
notice here three handsome rows OF hous
going up. Next find handsome churc
public hall, magnificent school hous
and In my old age seem to wonder II
not belong to another time. No one CT
appreciate Washington, except he wi
saw in the days Of war and now behold
in the day Of peace" ...
1