Evening star., 1896-12-26
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP
Santa Claus, as Usual, Not Specially
Interested in Realty.
SYSTEM OF BUILDING INSPECTION
Dealers Regard the Market Outlook
as favorable.
IN AUG RAJ ST A N D S

While the usual holiday trade has resulted
in more or less activity in the business
channels of the city, it has been the case
his year, as it has in past years. that the
real estate market has not shared in the
general stimulus which has induced such
large proportion of the population to be-
come Euyers. For obvious reasons houses
and lots are not generally considered In
the class of Christmas presents. although
undoubtedly there are great many people
who would like to find a gift of this char
acter in their Christmas stockings, if that
useful holiday article could be stretched to
accommodate such bulky present.
Dealers always look forward to a period
of dullness prior to and extending through
the holidays, and a rule they are not
disappointed. In spite of the ABSORPTION CT
the public mind to large extent in holiday
preparations during the past week, those
interested In the realty market LOOK for
ward to the coming months with an aEtici-
patton of business activity which Is not
based entirely upon hope. The recovery of
the market since the election has heen pre-
gressiVe, although perhaps not as rapid as
good many desired and a great many mad
hoped.
4 Favorable Outlook.
The outlook, however Is regarded as en-
couraging. Money is easier, loans can be
secured property offered at auction brings
satisfactory prices, and building enterprises
are discussed which have a favorable pros
pect Of being carried out in the near fu-
tire. 1t is predicted that the new year will
witness quite an addition to the number of
the homes of Washington, as well as of
the buildings which are used for various
purposes In such a populous center as the
ration's capital has become. Those who
have money to invest are on the lookout to
catch if possible the trend of the future
Improvement in order to secure property at
present prices, with the view of benefiting
by rising values when the full movement
is developed.
Inaugural Stands.
While those who have charge of the in
augural preparations are considering the
various suggestions made in regard to the
location and character of the stands to be
erected along the route of the 4th of March
parade. it is not forgotten that, while opin-
ions differ to the artistic beauty of the
stands used on former occasions, as well as
the wisdom of the choice of their location
that none of the deplorable accidents so
common in other cities on public occasions
has occurred. owing to the structural weak
ness of the stands erected for the use of
sightseers.
The average citizen does not perhaps give
much thought to this matter. and is in
clined TO take for granted that when a
stand is erected on such an occasion it is
adapted for the intended purpose and
therefore can sustain the required weight.
However, in this city the matter is not
left to chance. The inaugural committee
has made 1t the rule that the stands erect
ed by its order shall be inspected by the
building inspector. and only accepted for
public use when his official approval has
been received.
The Building Inspection.
This is detail Of the inaugural prepara-
tions and perhaps may be considered a
small one, but when 1t is considered the
frightful loss which may result from it's
neglect its Importance can readily be ap-
preciated. The fact that no accident has
marred the enjoyment of such an import
ant event the official installation of a
President of the United States into office
may be looked upon as an indication of the
excellence of the local system of building
inspection which is applied to every struc-
ture erected in this city.
Some improvements.
General repairs will be made by G. L.
Fodgler to the brick storage warehouse
owned by T. ]. Ettinger. Concrete founda-
tions and new joists will be put in and
general interior repairs and alterations
made.
The Pope Manufacturing Company will
erect store and office building on the east
side of 14th street between H and streets
northwest. The plans are being made by
James G. Hill, architect.
The same architect is completing the
plans for the residence to be erected at
Bancroft place and Connecticut avenue
northwest for Mrs. Matthews. The build
ing Is TO be three-story structure, with
English basement, and will be constructed
of pressed brick and brown stone. The
front Will be thirty feet, and the depth
sixty feet. The house will be supplied
with octagonal corner bay, oriel and rear
bay windows.