Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-14
Mr.. M'LANAHAN's HOUSE.
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP.

Some Features Of Progress in the Expand
ing Suburbs.
REACHING BEYOND THE DISTRICT LIMITS INTO
THE SURROUNDING CoUNrRY-THE INDICATIONS
OF THE SPRING SEASON IN THE REAL ESTATE
MARKET-orHER MATTERS OF INTEREST.
THERE ARE SOME FAINT INDICATIONS
Il Of. spring observed in the real estate
market. Extremely coy and uncertain as yet,
but still the promise of the coming of the sea-
son when the public generally will take live
lier interest in houses and lots than marks the
winter season. The weather has been 80 I'M
settled that outdoor operations have been
practically suspended and naturally investors
are not Drawing the elements to examine into
the merits Of property that is offered for sale.
The result is that change is looked for with a
good deal of interest by those who like to sec
lively real estate market The building season,
however, has opened very favorably
and the inquiries for property OF
all kinds are reported by dealers to
be increasing, and so it may be said
that the spring season will arrive. although per-
haps little behind the schedule time 1t may
be regarded somewhat singular, but the
spring seems to be considered the season for
suburban property. This is not an arbitrary
arrangement of the dealers, for they have
suburban property for sale all the year around
But there seems to be general disposition to
take an interest in the country as soon as the
grass begins to grow and the birds to sing.
Already the orOcuses are poking their adven-
turous noses above the soft mold in the parks
and the trees are beginning to suggest the faint
simmer of green which precedes the full glory
OF the foliage. However, the average citizen is
perfectly willing to look at these heralds of
spring without throwing aside the furs or the
heavy overcoat. At the same time one is re-
minded that the winter is over and the thought
suggests plans for the warmer season. Then
TINS season marks the resumption of active i'm
provements. Roads are to be made through the
subdivisions hills are to be leveled and hOllows
filled up. Houses are to be built and lawns
attended to and all kinds Of outdoor work done
that mas been suspended during the winter sea-
son. Residents who spend their winters in the
city make arrangements to return to their
homes III tine country, and those who live in
the country the year around find that they can
make some little improvements So it happens
that the country Is the scene of great deal of
activity at this season of the year, and this
fact, taken in connection with the lively build
ing operations within the limits of the city,
brlghtens up the real estate market. The indi-
cations at present point to good business sea-
son; There may be no great boom either in
building operations or in the transactions in
unimproved property, but the volume of bust
ness done will no doubt compare favorably
with that of preceding seasons.
THE GROWING SUBURBS.
While, as has been stated, the improvements
within the city limits show as clearly az the
figures Of the last census the growth in the
population, perhaps the notable feature ia the
expansion of the suburbs. 1t is difficult to
reahzc to what an extent the population of the
city Is reaching out beyond the city bounds and
passing even the lines which mark the limits of
the District, has invaded the soil of MARYLAND
and Virginia and has planted there hourishing
settlements. This suburban movement can be
seen by any one who rides out on the steam
railroads connecting the adjacent country with
the city. All along these roads are settlements
OF people whose business and whose interests
are mainly In this city. Then there are the
street railroads which have recently been con-
structed and which extend for long distances
resentation of this suburban development is
given in a map which was recently issued by
Ihos. j. Fisher Il Co., which contains not ONLY
the plan of the city, but the contigu-
GUS country on the Maryland side of
,he river W; Tor eight or nine miles from
latest map issued by the District government,
which was two years ago, the changes that have
taken PLACE are somewhat remarkable. Some
OF the changes can be noted briefly The
boundary lines OF the two great parks are indi-
Gated, which includes land on each side of
Rock creek from the Woodley road all the way
to the District line The northern limit of the
Geological Park is the southern limit of the
Rock Greek Park. To the west is shown the
site Of the proposed Methodist University and
its vicinity is already dotted with subdivisions.
To the east is the site OF the Catholic University
and around that institution the farm lands
have been laid off into city lots. There is prac-
tically continuous line of subdivisions
more and Ohio road from the bounds of the
city to Rockville, while on the Washington
branch OF the same road Laurel may be re-
garded as the extreme point reached by the
suburban population of the city. There are
numerous subdivisions along the line OF Penn
sylvania avenue extended, and then to the
south. where Anacostia shows expanding bound
airy lines.
SUBURBAN STREET RAILROADS
The suburban street railways are Of recent con-
struction, and yet great deal has been accom-
plished in that direction. There is the Eckinc
ton road, which runs out 4th street east tn the
Catholic University; the Brightwood rosd
which ID built on the 7th street road ali The
way out to Brightwood, and the Tenleytown
road, which runs from Georgetown along the
Tenleytown road to the District line Copnocti-
cutavenue has been extended out to the District
line and for two miles beyond, and an electric
road Is in course OF construction and will soon
be completed. railroad is also being buiIt
from the end Of the Tenleytown railroad to fine
Conduit road and the subdivision Of Glen Echo.
proposed steam railroad. known as the South
ern branch OF the Baltimore and Ohio rail-
road. will run through Montgomery coun-
ty from Linden on the Metropolitan road to
point on the Conduit road Just north of the
District line. The progress made in suburban
development, as thus briefly outlined, tells the
story OF the city's growth in a more striking
way than the statistics furnished by the census
office.
MR.. SANDS RESIDENCE
A fine example of suburban home ia
found in the residence of Mr.. Lawrence Sands
on the Woodley road just west of Columbia
road. Extensive additions and alterations have
Just been made which have resulted pructicallv
in a new house. The present structure ia not
only much larger, but the exterior is built en-
tirely OF brick and stone. and the handsome de-
sign Is seen to advantage from the elevated site
which commands viewof Washington Heights
and the city to the south and the picturesque
region of Rock Creek valley to the north and
west. The extensive grounds about tine horise
have been handsomely laid out and adorned
and the approach from Woodley road is by an
easy ascent cut through the terrace of the
lawn. The house is q pleasing type OF the villa
residence and has generous frontage of 20
feet. The interior is spacious. There ia a CEN
trail hall Is feet square. On one side are the
pariors, 20 by 40 feet, and on the other side n
roomy library and dining room. Hard woods
are used in the finish of the interior and the
walls are decorated in oils, with appropriate de-
signs worked out in soft shades. The opeu-work
ceilings are adorned With panels of relief hand
somely decorated in tones harmonizing with
the prevailing color Of the rooms. There are