Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-07
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP.
Street Car Lines and Their Effect OIL
Property Interests.

REAL ESTATE GOSSIP.
| Street Car Lines and Their Effect on
Property Interests.
| 4 STEADY REAL ESTATE MARKET PHASES THE
BRoKER-RIoH EFFECTS IN House INTERIOR
pEcoRArIoN-TALK ABOUT A NEW UNIVERSITY
| OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST.
The attention of property owners, investors
and those interested in the development Of the
city is directed very generally just now to the
subject of providing additional street car facili-
ties both in and out Of the city. Already sew
erai bills have been introduced in Congress to
grant charters to new companies and to extend
the lines of existing companies.
Enterprises of this character have q direct
effect upon the value Of property, and real es-
tate men generally favor an increase in the
means of getting about the city. A real estate
agent who is largely interested in property in
| the eastern section of the city told STAR re-
porter that additional railroad lines were
greatly needed there. 1--WE need" he said,
''lines running north and south and connecting
with the business centers. In spite of the lack
of such facilities the cheapness Of land has in
duced large numbers to make their homes
there, and this accounts for the phenomenal
growth which the eastern section Of the city
uas enjoyed curing the past year or more.
There are street railways between street
and East Capitol street in the north and none
between Pennsylvania avenue and NJ street in
the south. People living IN the southern sec
ton of Capitol Hill have no means of reaching
the northern section except by a roundabout
route. While East Washington was but sparsely
settled this condition Of affairs made no differ
ence, but now the vacant squares are filling up
and growing population demands better
means of communication"
Thn
well provided with street railways and too well
provided with steam railroads. In this latter
respect the residents of the southeast section
are prepared to fully sympathize with them.
1t would seem that the northwest portion of
the city is well supplied with street car lines
and while this is true, yet those most familiar
with the needs of that part of the city say that
good deal is to be done yet before II can be
said that all the needed facilities have been
provided It ia pointed out that there is no
cross town line In all that section Of the city
north OF New York avenue and H street, ex-
cept portion of the Belt line on o and P
streets between 18th and 4th streets. All that
thlckiy settled part of the city north Of the
| streets named has no car lines running east
and west, and the only means of going
from one point to another is by making a long
detour down through the central portion of the
city. 1t is claimed that facilities of this kind
are needed, but on the other hand, while the
general truth lie admitted yet when it comes to
ject to having car tracks laid on the street in
front OF their property. So it appears that the
street car line problem is beset with difficulties,
and while many bills are introduced in Con-
gress but few become laws.
RICH INTERIOR EFFECTS.
The use of the metals in interior house deco
ration seems to be more than passing fashion.
Brass fire sets. gas fixtures and articles of orna-
ment are still the style, although it has been
several years since their introduction. Articles
made OF wrought iron, producing very artistic
effects, have also been introduced in the mar
ket, and seem to have struck the popular
taste. Gas fixtures, as well as fire place sets,
are made OF this material More recently still
silver or silyered goods have been manufac-
tured and copper has come into use. These
various metals do not supersede each other,
but are used in connection with each other and
this fact gives some idea of the variety and
richness of the material available fof modern
interior decoration The wrought iron is used
In the hall and the dining room generally and
the other three metals in rooms where they
Will best harmonic with the decorations. The
great aim of house decorators is to produce a
pleasing combination of colors in the adorn-
ment of the rooms. The wood work, the wallis
the hanglngs, the gas fixtures and the furniture
must constitute symphony Of color in order
to suit the tastes of the modern housekeeper.
Rich plain effects seem to be the style, rather
than profuse and striking decorations.
TALKING ABOUT NEW UNIVERSITY.
1t is likely that active measures will be
adopted in a short time with the view of ascer-
tanning whether the establishment of a uni
versity in this District can be accomplished.
The idea of those who are discussing the mat
ter is to found here a university which will be
Protestant but not denominatonaL The plan
has not as yet passed the initial stage OF ali
such enterprises and no public action has as
yet been taken. Several men OF influence and
means have, however, become interested in the
project and are talking it over. Whether it
will ever take practical shape or not il q ques-
ton, but those interested believe that such a
university ought to be founded on broad and
liberal basis and that the facilities offered at
the national capital are such as to recommend
this District as an appropriate location for a
great university. The suburbs of the city
afford numerous eligible sites where great
buildings. surrounded by ample grounds, can
be erected, and the means of communication
country are increasing with such rapdity that
the question of distance from the center OF
population is no longer an important factor.
QUIET BUT STEADY MARKET.
general inquiry among real estate dealers
during the past week ELECTS the information
that the market is quiet but steady. Transac-
tons, they say, are not numerous, but prices
remain firm and there is considerable inquiry.
There is some buying and selling going on all
tue tiuuo anu tucy report. IN IL.
Several OF the dealers say thai business is
better this year than last, but they recognize
the fact that the holiday season is here, when
the attention Of people is occupied more with
Christmas presents than with investing in real
estate.
LARGE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY.
The notable transaction during the past week
was the purchase by Mr. A. A. Thomas of
large block OF the subdivision known as Bloom
ingdale While this is suburban property. be-
cause it lies practically beyond the limits OF the
city, yet it is city property. 1t was formerly
known as the Beale place and is bounded by
Boundary street and Lincoln avenue. Recently
the land has been subdivided in accordance
with the plan Of the city and about one-half
was donated for the streets North Capitol
street and LIST street west will be extended
through it and SO will r. s and streets.
The work OF grading North Capitol and LIST
streets has already been begun, and it is the in
tention to extend these streets through to
Michigan avenue, which is the southern boun-
Diary Of the Soldiers Home grounds. On the
other side of Lincoln avenue from this prop
erty lies lexington, with r street improved by
an asphalt pavement. The opening OF street
through Bloomingdale and the recent legal
proceedings in the case of the old st. Patrick's
cemetery property will allow the extension of
that street all the way through until it unites
with the city street, thus forming continuous