Evening star., 1897-06-07
An Important Transaction in Real
Estate Today.
PURCHASED BY A SYNDICATE
Improvements and Changes Which
Are Probable.
CAR FACILITIES

A transaction of great importance, es-
pecially to property holders, in what is
known the Tenleytown region. was
closed today. Somerset Heights, owned 10y
John E. Beall and DR.. Ralph Walsh, was
sold to a number of Philadelphia capital
lists, represented by John Rockey and Gus
tav Stahl. This tract of land lies on the
road to Rockville, about a quarter Of a
mile north from the District line. 1t con-
tsins one hundred and thirty-two acres,
and the price obtained was $500 an acre. SO
that the total amount paid was s68OGO.
This property was purchased some years
ago by Mr.. Beall, who made a subdivision,
and number of houses have been erected
there. 1t adjoins on the south the country
place Of Gen. R. c. Drum, while farther
north is the place of Mr.. H. Bradley Dav-
idson. Other well-known citizens have
country places In this locality, and at one
time it seemed as if the tide of population
had turned in that direction. For a num-
Der or years past, however, the same in
activity which has been charac teris;ic of
the development of property in and out of
the city, affected real estate in this section.
and but few improvements have been
Elade.
1t is believed, however, that a change
will soon take place, and that this transac-
ton will mark the beginning of better
times. The reason given for this belief Is
that the purchasers have not bought merely
as land speculators but they have in con-
temptation the expenditure of a large sum
OF money and the making of a large num-
Der of improvements.
1t Is understood that they intend to erect
at once number of houses on The plan of
detached villas, which is said to De the
scheme so largely followed in building up
the suburbs about Philadelphia The Phil
aueipnia people are not entirely new Gomez s
aG haxy
n.shed the money which has been used in
practically reconstructing the Glen Echo
railroad and providing increased facilities
win the money thus secured the Glen Echo
road was continued through to the Chevy
Chase Circle, and right of way
was obtained through Somerset Heights. so
that the road now runs from Glen Echo
over to the Chevy Chase Circle. that por-
tlon or the route to the District line where
junction Is formed with the Georpetovn
ienleytown road having been abandoned
Inc Glen Echo road now crosses the Ten
ieytoWn and Rockville road at Somerset
Chase Circle. AS has already been stated
in The Star. negotiations are in progress
whlch will in all proba bility result in rum
ning alternate cars over the George ;own
road to Glen Echo
II Is stated that other improvements in
Ianroad facilities in that section of the
country Will be introduced by the PhiIa-
trying to develop the Somerset Heights
property by the erection of houses. Alto
gether 1t Is expected a considerable sum of
money will be spent, as it is stated the
Philadelphia men represent a good deal CT
money In Philadelphia which is ayaila Bile
for investment in that locality 1t is said
70 De likely that company will be form
ed for the purpose of handling this prop
erty more readily.
There is another benefit which Is likely 20
come from this transaction. as it is ex-
pected the indebtedness which is outstand-
ing against the Tenleytown and Rockville
railroad will be paid off. and in tnat event
the owners will be able to carry ont the
plans which they have had in view for
some time. 1t Is thought to be quite Ger
tain that what is known as the Tenleytown
and Rockville railroad, which now has its
northern terminus at Bethesda Park, will
be continued through to Rockville 1t is
possible that this may be done this year.
but II not 1t Is said that 1t is almost GER
tain that the work of extension will he
completed next year. The road is now
owned by the same parties that control the
Georgetown and TenIeytown road. and IL
the proposed extension Is built there will
be an electric road running all the way
through from Georgetown to Rockville.