Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-06-23
CITY AND DISTRICT.
iEAL ESTATE MATTERS.
The Effect q the Hot weather on the
MARKET Variety In Architectural
Forms q Feature of the City.

Washington has been called a red brick city
because Of the prevailing material used In the
construction OF buildings bird's-eye view from
any OF the heights surrounding the city
shows the red masses, with here and
there the cleaning white walls OF the imposing
buildings which have been erected for the use Of
the Government In the older portions OF the
city, although the same material Is used
the color has bee n toned down by time, and the
orthodox duh brown OF the average city Is the
prevailing tone The excess OF the area OF the
red over that Of the brown affords a good object
lesson showing the recent growth or the CITY.
The line OF the suburbs has extended out from
the center 90 the city In all directions until
now has about reached the city limits.
There are squares Of vacant ground still unOc-
Cupied, and there II room for a great
many houses. but practically the city has begun
90 overflow its limits. IL does not need the recO-
lection of the Oldest inhabitant 20 remember the
time when VI street W As considered some distance
up town In the northwest section. During the
past sixteen or seventeen years the most OF these
changes have occurred. and 10 Is no wonder that
the city looks red IL Is really a new city.
While this sameness In color may De criticised,
no one has ever complained OF the mOnOtOny in
forms. In fact the variety In architectural forms
Is remarked by visitors who make no pretensions
10 being critics. They notice the difference from
other cities they have visited In the absence OF
row after row Of houses OF the same design
The use Of stone In combination with
brick, which has become so general, serves
To relieve the effect OF the solid fronts
OF brick and this together with the variety OF
styles OF architecture, makes a drive through the
streets OF the city delightfully."- varied and attrac
tive. The architects In order 10 meet the demand
for something new occasionally are guilty OF some
extravaganza In bad taste. There are fronts OF
residences which appear 10 be loaded down with
nearly every device and form known 10 architec-
ture IL Is possible to 20 foot front perhaps
q tower OF the Roman period, porch OF the Greek,
an Italian balcony, the latticed windows OF the
Queen Anne period, and the high roof OF the Dutch
School But such examples are not frequent and
as a rule the architects display not only ability
but good taste. Good construction and forms that
hay mo n nd cd m fhlF
rOundings and uses are tine prevailing features Of
Washington house architecture. The influence OF
art in this city, may be regarded as a factor In
maintaining the standard OF excellence for which
Washington stands pre-eminenL
THE SUMNER CALM.
The warm weather has had its influence upon
the real estate market The summer calm bias
soothed the active spirits OF the brokers' and in
the depths OF their shaded Offices their thoughts
turn TO the SeaShore and the mount aims All Dusi-
ness moves more sluggisnly; and real estate Is no
exception The daily record OF transactions how
ever, show but slight diminution, and great deal
OF property Is constantly changing hands Build
anticipate q summer with plenty OF work and good
wages The large number OF new houses that are
going up In an sections OF the city demon
the Increasing population Prices as well
as rents continue firm and altogether
the situation Is one full OF promise. The historical
dullness OF presidential year seems likely 10 make
an exception or this year. AMI this change shows
that Washington Is becoming independent OF the
movements In the political world
Kx-NNIsTER FOSTERS RESIDENCE
Mr.. John W. Foster, the ex-minister to spain. Is
making some important alterations In his resi-
dence on / street, between 14th and 18th streets.
The vacant side yard will be occupied by a one
story addition. which Will De occupied by Gen.
Foster as his ONCE. bay window Will be- added
10 the front and twO-stOry building will be built
IN the rear IN connection with the main building.
The house which Is now quite spacious will have
Improves
ments are completed. MeSsrS. Hornblower and
Marshall prepared the plans.