Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-05
REAL rsrArr GOSSIP.
A Big Real Estate Transaction end How II
10 Regarded.


THE PURCHASE MADE BY Mr.. HENRY p BrouNr-
SOME OF THE LARGE REAL ESTATE INVESTORS
JUDGMENT OF PROPERTY VALUES AND THz
DIFFICULTIES IN THE wAY-orHER NArrERs
Six figures representing the amount Of o real
estate sale is regarded by brokers as constitut.
ing first-class transaction. Even in the sea-
son, when the real estate market il active and
customers are plentiful and sales numerous, a
sale involving such large amount would be a
notable event. When, however, q transaction
OF this character is recorded just at the close OF
the dull period of summer and at the begin
ming OF the autumn season it is looked upon
not only as something remarkable, but as a
promising indication of an active season. This
Is the way the sale of the Linthicum place,
which was made last week by Mr.. NJ. NJ. Par
ker. as mentioned in The STAR, is regarded in
real estate circles.
The actual amount paid for the property by
Mr.. Henry +. Blount is 5000 in excess Of the
a handsome home for himself as those who are
familiar with this historic and beautiful place
well know. The house is q tine old mansion,
built in the generous and comfort table fashion
OF period when ground was not so valuable
as 1t is now. Though a few alterations will be
residence the old place will remain practically
unchanged. The house sets back some distance
from Road street, i'll the midst OF a fine lawn,
which Is adorned with splendid oak trees. Al
together the place contains about six
acres of land, and calculating its value by
the square foot, which Is the most
familiar basis of valuation, as the Rock
Creek Park commissioners no doubt aware
by this time. Mr.. Blount paid about 40 cents
per square foot for this property. The sale
illustrates what has been a familiar fact for
some time to those acquainted with George
town property, and that Is values in that Sec
ton OF the city have been steadily advancing
Recently portion of tho Linthicum property
on Road street, just north of the residence, has
been subdivided into lots and sold for IS cents
per foot. Lots in the same vicinity have sold
at higher figures, a;id for property nearer the
car lines and the center of population prices
have been obtained which would astonish those
who have not kept up with the progress that
old Georgetown has been making OF late years
There was n time when Georgetown had q
separate municipal existence that its proximity
to Washington seemed to be a disadvantage,
but since IL has become a part Of the city it
shares IN the prosperity which the entire Dis
trict now enjoys.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LOCALITY.
To the north of the Linthicum place Mrs
Dixie has recently purchased a square Of
ground, which will shortly be improved by the
erection of n house. New houses are going up
In all parts of Georgetown, and the old place is
stretching beyond its original borders and fill
ing up the suburbs. Over i'll Georgetown,
however, people are still old-fashioned enough
to believe In having plenty OF room about their
houses. 1t Is good fashion, and one that is
slowly coming into vogue in the Washington
part OF the city. Every one will rejoice that
the generous old lawns of the Linthicum place
are to be preserved. The new owner, Mr.
RlOnnf tn haxya ,,1a ~ of hnp
home. He has been a resident of this city for
the past five years, and during that time
he has lived in the large old mansion which
In former days stood i'll the grounds which
surrounded the old buildings OF Column
bian University when it was located
at the head of 14th street. This house'was the
residence of the president of the university,
and when the property was sold and the
grounds cut up into building lots the presi-
dent house was allowed to remain. Previous
to his coming to this city Mr.. Blount had lived
for several years in Europe He has not only
made his home here. but, like other men Of
wealth who come to this city and spend any
time. he was quick to see the advantages which
real estate here offers as an investment. He
has invested largely and successfully in WASH
lngton real estate, and owns not only business
property but suburban property.
soMR LARGE INVESTORS.
That the number Of such men as Mr.. Blount
Is increasing each year is one of the gratifying
facts in connection with tho prosperity of the
capital. 1t is recognized that the fact that
men OF this class select this CITY as a place of
residence and also invest their means here is a
substantial evidence that Washington is highly
esteemed, both as place of residence and as a
place to proftably place money. Recently it
was mentioned In The STAR that Mr. H c.
Nevlns OF New York would erect fine residence
here for his home. The other day a permit
was taken out for building this house. which
will cost over 5000 He paid s25, 900 for the
lot. which hasa frontage of some forty feet
on Massachusetts avenue just west of 18th
street. 1t will adjoin the handsome residence
which Mr. Sidney A. Kent, a wealthy citizen Of
Chicago, recently built. One of the most
striking residences erected on 10th street
In recent years is the one which is lust
being completed for Mr.. Frederick G.
Stevens. Like Mr.. Nevins. Mr.. Stevens
has been living here for several years and
occupying a rented house, but he concluded to
have house OF his own, and he has built one
that is not only elegant in all its appointments,
but Is large and spacious. There are great
many similar instances OF men OF wealth who
have made their permanent homes here. Mr..
b. H. Warder, who is now SO thoroughly identi-
ned with the interests OF the city, has been q
liberal investor in real estate ever since he came
here. Last year it is estimated that he ex-
pended in the purchase of land and the erection
OF houses and business buildings 800, OOO and
before the present building season closes lie
will have invested a similar amount. He is now
one Of the largest property holders in the CITY
Mr.. John Il. Mclean has extensive properly
interests here, while Mr.. l.. z. Letter paid
SS4. 900 for the lot upon which he is now erect
ing residence, which will probably cost in the
neighbOrhood of 500 600. Mr.. j. Fairfield Car
penter last fall paid s93, 500 for building lot
although he owns the very handsome house on
10th street where he resides
rMppovEyrvra
Some changes are being made in the resi-
dence Of Lieut.. T. B. NJ. Mason on Con-
necticut avenue near Q street which will ma
terially add to Its present ample conveniences
The high steps are being removed and the main
entrance will be on a level with the street in
the style Of the English basement houses. In
this respect it will be similar in design with the
adjoining residence Of his mother. The resi-
dence of Maj. Bailey at the corner Of Connecti-
cut avenue and X street is also being improved
There will be a change made in the high porch
at the main entrance and the veranda at the
side will be inclosed and the space added to
the interior. The alterations in both instances
are being made under the direction of Mr..
Charles A. Langley.
REAL ESTATE VALUATIONS
The value of judgment in regard to real
estate values is being put to rather severe test
by the lawyers representing the different in
terests in the hearing before the Rock Creek
Park commission. The experts who are asked
to give their opinion of the value OF the prop
erty proposed to be taken for the park are also
expected to stand q rigid examination of the
reasons upon which their opinions are based.
1t ID not an easy matter to determine the yalue