Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-10

My tSLa said that every one is
| w GeN agreed that the build
-IlSf ings are grand in con-
| ception and effective in
their execution. When it is considered that
these buildings represent the best architectural
skill Of the country and are. in fact suitable
and harmonious in design, the degree Of interest
which their purely architectural qualities have
elected may be taken an indication that Q
good proportion Of the people Of this country
recognize artistic merit even in q building.
Certainly the managers Of the fair realized the
| Importance of the profession of architecture us
they spared no pains to secure the best skill
| which the country afforded.
The existence OF this general appreciation Of
the good in skillful designs is further illustrated
by the exhibition which is being held in Boston
OF designs and plans for improving Copley
| Square, on which the library building and
Trinity Church fronts. Instead of giving out
the contract to the lowest bidder the artists
and architects Of the city are invited to send in
designs SO that the best treatment possible may
be given to this important public place. 1t is
evident that the beautiful and the artistic re-
ceives popular appreciation, and while this
competition is invited by the Boston Society Of
Architects, yet, no doubt, the adoption OF a
plan OF the proposed improvement will be in
Huenced by the plans placed on exhibition.
DESIGNS FoR PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
| There is another indication of the growing
attention to and interest in the subject which
is afforded by the action of Congress at the last
session in authorizing the Secretary of the
| Treasury to invite from architects throughout
the country designs for the erection Of public
| buildings The purpose Of this legislation as
generally understood, is to secure the best skill
| OF the country in designing The buildings
erected by the government. The rules under
which this competition is to be conducted were
left to be formulated by the Secretary Of the
| Treasury, and, no doubt when that official
| finds time to give the matter attention begin
ming Will be made in giving the proposed new
system a trial. The best architects Of the
country favored this legislation, and
although under the law no compensation will
be allowed to any one entering the competi-
| ton except the one whose design is accepted
yet, In spite OF the fact that this is an essential
departure from the rule regulating private
| competition. the leading architects have ex-
pressed an intention Of submitting designs for
public buildings as soon as The Treasury De-
par tment invites them.
1t is expected that higher grade Of build
| ings will be produced under this system than
was possible under the DID, where all designs
FOR public buildings were prepared in the Office
! OF the supervising architect. As rule archi-
| tects OF eminence have been at the head of this
Office, but they have been so burdened with the
administrative details that thev have had but
little time to attend 10 the professional work
| Of the osiice. Under the new system il is
thought that tho character OF the buildings
erected bJ the government will be improved.
and that the public taste will be cultivated so
that the requirements laid upon individuals
will be higher and there will be an advance IN
the character of the designs Of buildings of all
kinds.
IMPROVEMENT OF AN OLD HOUSE.
The old mansion on Lafayette place where
Senator Cameron lives is to be thoroughly over
hauled. In fact. the house Is TO be rebuilt with
, the exception of the exterior walls Some
idea OF the extent of the improvements is OBJ
tanned from the estimated amount of the cost
OF the improvements. which is S3o 600 The
contractor, Mr.. John McGregor has already
begun the work, which is to be carried on from
plans prepared by Hornblower 4 Marshall
architects. 1t is pretty large sum to
spend on an old house. large and
rather elaborate residence could be built for.tbe
same amount of monev. 1t is evident hat
Senator Cameron likes the location Of his resi-
dence and is of the opinion that the property
viii warraOt the outlay. Perhaps. however be
may be making needed improvements without
considering much the future of the property
In any view it is evident that the bouee will
continue to be a private residence, which is of
some consequence in that locslity which to
some extent seems to be passing through the
transitional period Of boarding house, to the
usual destiny Of becoming business seetion of
| the city. Some claim, however that business
vii! not invade the property fronting on La
fayeste Square, at least not for q great many
years to come
Others, however, who have noted the changes
mat have taken place within the past few years
In the property along II street west from l4th
street are Of the opinion that the same move
ment viii continue along II street to 18th, and
so on up Connecticut avenue. OF course. il in
Claimed that the side streets will be affected
and tnat the entire section is destined to be
N n hrs
asserted, are the vanguard Of such movement
and there is no DENYING that. with a few ex-
ceptions, all the residences along II street be-
tween l4h street and Lafayette Park are now
devoted to this purpose.
RESIDENCES VS.. BUSINESS
1t is said in opposition that while business
may occupy that territory yet it will not invade
the residence sites fronting on LAFAYETTE Park.
AS an evidence that this location is still looked
upon as desirable for residence purposes it is
stated that not long ago the Cosmos Club re-
celyed a written offer from wealthy man Of
$4,000 for the club property at the corner of
II street and Lafayette Park. The offer was
refused. but it is stated that the property was
wanted as site for q private residence or
course i: is difficult to foretell what the future
OF any section of the city will be, but it
would seem, Judging from the history Of
other sections. that the extension Of business
locality is likely 20 advance with the growth of
SODncCtlcQt avenue
between and NJ streets is already largely given
up to business places, and not many mon tbs
ago negotiations we're in progress for a lot near
the Church OF the Covenant. it being the inten-
ton. II the purchase was made, to er ect build
ing to be used AZ grocery store
Farther south. along 18th street between H
and l streets, several residences have been
turned into Office buildings. One such change
has just been completed. In a few days the
house. s06 18th street, owned by Mr.. W. NJ.
Po:ndextcr, is to be remodeled-one story
added to the height Of the building and the
entire frontage of the lot built upon The in
terror will be adapted for Offices and apart
ments.
THE NEW TELEPHONE BUILDING.
Plans have been prepared for handsome
building to be erected on the west tide of l4th
street just north of H street for the use of the
telephone company. The ground was pur-
chased some time ago by the company with the
view of putting up building which will be its
permanent home in this citv. 1t is expected
that the work of building will be begun during
the present season.
A RAILROAD TO BRooKLAHD
The extension of the lexington railroad along
the Bunker Hill road from 4th street east to
Brookland is expected to be made during the
present season. The new management is now
perfecting details which will result in improv-
fIQc ae% I., -