Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-27
THEY ARE HOPEFUL.
Builders Say Work Is Little Back
ward, but Think 1t Will
BE MADE UP LATER In THE SEASON.
Good Trading on Change. With Electric and
Philadelphia Gas as Leaders.
TIE NEWS AND GOSSIP OF THE CITY

Some additional information was obtained
yesterday in regard to building prospects
all of a conservative but hopeful tenor.
An architect whose name is withheld at
his request said: "While there are fewer
buildings in contemplation than at this
same time last year, it is the opinion OF
those in position to know that the omission
will oe made good later in the season. A
late start is not necessarily a bad start
Few believe the labor difficulty is deep
seated
Mr.. II. c. Deeds, contractor and builder,
at Edgewood, remarked: s:The uncertainty
as to the outcome of the eight-hour movement,
which will culminate May ], Is delaying con-
siderable work. But no matter what the issue
may be large number of buildings will be put
up this year. The demand for small houses Is
so great that their construction is an impera-
ative necessity. do not look for any diminu-
tion in this class of improvements. The
shrInkage. if any, will be in large and costly
structures"
Mr.. c. A. Balph. contractor, First avenue and
Grant street, spoke hopefully of the situation,
and thought all distractions would be cleared
away by the time the season fairly opens. h
added: I'VE have just finished the power
house and car barn for the Pittsburg and Bir-
mingham Traction Company at Thirtieth and
Carson streets, and are putting the final touches
to the car barn of the Duquesne Traction Com
pany, at the corner of Craig and Neville streets,
We are also building warehouse and ofnces
for Bovaird d Seyfang on Second avenue, be-
tween Ross and Try streets. We have Just
completed handsome residence for Thomas
D. Todd, of Eisner & Phillips, on Trent street,
Thirteenth ward. We have considerable work
on hand. but it is not in shape to be particular
ized."
The most important of Mr.. Balph's recent
achievements in the building line is the
Masonic block on Fifth avenue.
Mr.. Charles Andrews builder on the South
side. was accosted and asked for his opinion.
He replied: "It is too early In the season to.
attempt correct estimate of building opera
tions for the year Very few plans are ready.
l think the labor trouble will be settled. II is
not deep-seated, in my opinion. l think as
many small houses will be put up this year as
there were In 1890"
The inouiry inlo the condition of the build
ing trades and the outlook for the year has
fairly established the following facts: That
strong hopes are entertained of the aInicable
settlement of the labor trouble; that while own
ers are slow they have abandoned none of their
projects; that improvement will go forward ir-
respective of the issues; that nearly all engaged
III this line have more or less work on hand,
and that if there be shrirkage it will not be
in small houses, but il large and costly ones.
Will Make No Change.
Some time ago The DISPATCH. in mention
ing the fact that part of the Hussey building
on Fifth avenue will be occupied after April
by Messrs. J. r. Heuricks & Co., the music
dealers, gave rise to the impression that Messrs.
q. b. Barrett & Co., who have for years past
carried on their wholesale jewelry business,
occupying the upper floors of this building are
to give up their location. Such, however, is
not the case, as MIR. Barrett has simply rein-
qushed the first story and basement, which
Henricks & Co. will occupy, Mr.. Barrett having
secured from DR.. Hussey, the owner of the
building, a long continuation of his lease on the
secor5. third and fourth floors. Mr.. Barrett's
business, therefore, will be in no way affected
by the incoming of Messrs ]. r. Henricks &
Co.