Bridgeton pioneer., 1896-12-31

REAL ESTATE DEAL.

The Dry Goods Dealers are Now Owners
of the Handsome Building Which
They Occupy-Wfll Enlarge the
Structure.
There was consummated yesterday one
OF the biggest real estate deals that has
been made in this city for some time,
and Hunt Brothers, the enterprising dry
goods firm, became owners of the fire
property that they have occupied on
North Laurel street. together with addi-
tional ground in the rear of the building.
Five years ago in the Spring, Messrs.
R. w. and Reuben Hunt came to this
city and established themselves in busi-
ness in partnership with w. w. Robbins,
who was at that time conducting the dry
goods house. The young men, with pro-
gressive, up-to date ideas, pleasant ways
and thorough knowledge of the trade,
soon increased the business and the place
became known all over South Jersey as
one of the leading mercantile places of
Bridgeton, In February, 1894, Mr.. Rob-
bins retired from the firm and the Hunts
assumed entire control of the business.
The trade increased, business expanded,
additional counter room was added, and
the firm was conducting great double
store. Still the business increased and
portion of the floor was given to the trade
and then the whole of that floor was uti-
lized, and even with these increased
facilities the firm have been unable to
furnish sufficient room for the immense
stock and accommodation of the increased
number of customers.
There are few stores in the State that
have been crowded such as this. In
creased demands from increasing custo-
mers, has all along demanded increased
facilities for the larger stocks that are
being carried. The members of the firm
have been holding various schemes under
Amusement to permit them to allow the
business to branch out as it was natural
ly doing. The present building had but
SO much capacity, and that entire capa-
city has been exceeded already, and still
the demands have not been met. That
the firm must, of necessity, purchase a
property, has been evident for some time
Both the gentlemen have been consider
ing several available sites, but in the
selection OF business place, much was
to be considered-the principal thing
being location. That none of the other
sites compared to this for good location
was plainly apparent. 1t is on the direct
line of the principal city line of trolley
1t is at the very terminus of the Millville
trolley line. 1t is directly opposite the
leading hotel, and the post office. TT e
building is handsome structure, es-
pecially adapted to the business, and the
firm could see no other place so satisfac-
tory, provided more room could be pro-
cured.
When the firm began to look into tie
matter, it was found that a thirty feet
deep piece of property, in the rear of the
building, could be procured, which
would add greatly to the capacity. An
option was secured upon this property,
and then an offer was made for the build
ing and property already occupied. The
estate was owned by John Mcpherson,
the furniture dealer. After some dealing
the property was purchased, and yester-
day deeds for both pieces of property was
passed, and now the firm are sole owners
of the entire estate.
A reporter called upon the firm Tues
day afternoon, and in the few moments
which could be taken from the business,
they discussed the important venture.
The price of the property was not given
out for publication, but must have been
considerable, for the place is one of the
most valuable sites in the entire CITY,
The property has frontage OF 80 feet on
Laurel street, and has depth of 1876 feet.
The present building is "a feet deep. Both
of the gentlemen stated that it was the in
tention to Immediately begin the i'm
provements which will add forty feet IL
the building, two stories high, and will
permit an increased counter space of
more than seventy five feet. Of course
this means the same amount of additional
shelving for the much larger stocks that
are to be received for the spring trade.
The proposed improvements will con-
sumo considerable time. Plans and
specifications must be prepared, con-
tractors will figure, while the actual
work will require time. All will be fin
ished, however, in time for the busy
Spring season, for which the firm has al
ready made elaborate preparation.
Since the firm has occupied the build
ing, many important Improvements have
been made. Steam heat has been put in,
improved lighting has been added, and
the splendid second story has been con-
nected with the main floor by hand
some and easy stairway. The latest i'm
proved cash system has been put in, and
business has been conducted in a manner
strictly up to date, and in way which
has won the commendation of the Gus.
TONERS and increased the trade. Of
course while these improvements have
been made to the building and store, the
stocks have been improved, not only in
quantity, but quality, which has served
to add to the reputation of the now