Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-09

II has long been a source of wonder that the
beautiful range of hills extending from Wash
ingtOn TO Alexandria has never been utilized
for villa sites. Such sites so close to New York
any other large city would long ere this have
been in the happy possession of the wealthy.
Indeed one needs but pleasant ride up the
Hudson to see this exemplihed. One would
suppose that the entire range far as Mount
Vernon would be crowned with magnificent
residences of Senators, Congressman and
wealthy citizens Singular 1t Is. In this day of
Subdivisions. when suburban homes with all the
cOnveniences of a city are placed within the
reach of business men. clerks and Office holders
that such eligible sites have been neglected
for localities north of this city possessing no
advantages for business and few for residences.
1t seems that others have been likewise i'm
pressed with these advantages, for as the train
approaches our sister city, Alexandria,
IL Is a pleasant surprise to behold part of this
beautiful range OF hills. which IS especially
adapted FOR the purpose, laid out in wide streets
anu beautiful avenues. After few minutes
walk from ST. Asaph Junction. one of the two
stations which lead to this property. the en-
glneer. Mr. Robert Wheat, vii! be found. busily
engaged with large number of laborers, Civ
ing the grades and generally supervising the
work
Sir. Wheat informed The STAR reporter that
the tract OF laud is tine property of The North
west Alexandria Improvement Company.
1t mapped out and graded last fail,
but owing to the lateness OF the season
Il wis decided to postpone Ii eontem pla ted i'm
prove mcuts until this spring. and then to place
the same under the management OF some relia-
bic and competent business man of practical
knowledge and experience in such work. Mr.
A. VI. German OF Washington, a gentleman of
much experience and success in such work was
invited to manage the enterprise The prop
erty covers $50 acres of land especially adapted
for suburban homes. The ground is easily
drained and very little filling or cutting is
necessary. The Alexandria reservoir is in
closer proximity 10 this land than to Alexandria
and as the streets Of that city only 500 yards
distant all the cCuvenieuces of a modern CITY
in the way of electric lights, gas &C., can easily
be extended to this property. The enormous
expense Of erecting such plants and couse-
quently the want of them have killed many
subeilvisiOus.
The view from most of the property ia m
surpassable, extending from the Washington
monument. over Washington city. and follow
ing the Potomac river and Maryland heights
opposite, to Fort Washington, placing before
the eye most magnificent and diversified
panorama twenty-One miles in extent. The
survey of Mount Vernon avenue which has
been accepted by the United States govern
meut. commands this view far as Mount
Vernon. and passes through the center of the
property with q width of 100 feet The aues-
ton Will arise to the popular mind as to the
possibility Of this beautiful suburban retreat
becoming a success, owing to the number of
subdivisions around Washington; but a pre-
senta.tioH of the facts soon dispels all doubt on
that score. 1t appears that Alexandria
a city of large business resources and
advantages, has been so closely built up in the
last hve years that good building lots
are now as scarce as white crows. and that til is
extension Of the city Is a matter OF necessity.
The Northwest Company, recognizing the dis
advantages under which Alexandria has been
lboring for many years, and especially when
brought in competition with other modern
Residential cities, has decided to avoid such
defects IN the present extension. be the cost
what 10 NAV. In consequence Of this liberal
plan all Of the lots will have ifteen-foot alley
IN the rear and from ten to fifteen feet OF park
Ing IN front The paveTenIs, streets, avenues
and drives Will be the same as those in the
public parks of Washington city, OF rather
superior, they will be made Of white flint
gravel. several beds Of which have been bought
BY the company. Furthermore there will be a
public park. and II has been decided To have the
underground sewerage system, a stream running
through the lower part of the property being
.ncto~e'i Tor this purpose. This fact alone W i'll
assure the success OF this property as the sur
face drainage OF Alexandria has long been an
eyesore. $50 trees. planted along the avenues
last fall, are row hourishing, and rows viii soon
be planted along all of the remaining avenues
and streets. The directors of the company are
of the most successful aud conservative busi-
men in Alexandria. and realizing that
many people have been duped by wildcat
spectators and deceived by the promises of
Improvements in many catch-penny subdivis-
ions which have never materialIZed. these gen
Ilemen have decided 10 show their good faith
by actually putting these improvements on
their property before offering 1t Tor sale
though the cost viii amount TO many thou
sands of dollars.
There are at present FIVE handsome resi-
dence- on the PROV erty and many more will bt
erected after the other improvements havs
been carried out So much money will be and
has already been spent on the property that it,
success il a matter OF necessity. The contract