The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1898-04-25
THE PROGRESS BLOCK.
O. 8. Desky Springs Another Sur
prise on tho Public.

y
chasing after sugar stock, or
doubling his coin in the business,
which, Justly If not politely, must
be described as usury.
New blood aud fresh ideas we're
wanted to shake up the community
from the lethsrgy in which every
body apparently had fallen.
One day G. S. Desky arrived on
the scene, aud it didn't take him
very loug before he had realized the
wonderful opportunities which these
islands offered to any shrewd and
experienced speculstor in real estate.
Mr.. Desky treated the public to
surprise after surprise. We have no
space to mention the numerous en-.
terprises inaugurated by him TO the
benefit Of the town, and which have
often been referred to by the local
press. The new Progress Block
erected by him on the corner of Bere-
tauia and Fort streets deserves
special mention, being the best
finished and up.to-date building
ever seen in Honolulu
Mr.. Desky bought the large tract
OF land known as the Irwin home
stead with frontages on Chaplain
Lane, Fort street and Beretania
street. On the corner lot, where
formerly stood the historical Fort
street Church, he has erected the
magnificent Progress building which
is an ornament to the city and a
credit to the owner, to the architect
and the builder.
In a few weeks the building will
be delivered by the contractor to
the owner, aud the public will have
a chance to inspect and admire the
structure, which certainly is entitled
to the name Progress"
The doors leading from the streets
into the first floor are made in an
tique style, aud are very ornamental.
The main entrance from Fort street
leads to the elevator, which is now
on the way from the Coast, and
which will be run by electric power.
From the entrance on B,retania
street access TO the building is gained
by an easy aud highly finished stair
way.
The stores on the ground floor are
commodious, and, like the rest of
the building made from the best Ha-
waian stone, will furnish excellent
aud safe storerooms for the mer-
chants who have secured leases for
the fret floor. Special equipments
are being made for furnishing one
OF the stores facing Fort street to
suit the demands Of the new music
store which will be located there.
On the second floor large num-
ber of Offices suitable for profession
al or business men have been ar
ranged. The Offices are appointed
in an elegant manner and can be
rented singly or in suite. Many of
them have already been rented,
three suites having been taken by
dentists. On this floor which will
be known as the professional" floor
there are toilet rooms for ladies and
for gentlemen gotten up in appro-
pirate style, and where, as elsewhere
in the building, only first class
material and workmanship have
been used
On the third floor the Progress
Hall has been built. This hall is
the favorite child of Desky's heart
and it is unequalled in Honolulu,
and would be a credit to any city
many times the size OF our capital.
The hall can be used as ball
room, meeting hall even for 4th of
July orators, or as a theater. A
stage has been arranged and the
octagonal shape Of the hall will
permit the whole audience full
view of every point Of the stage.
The French windows towards
Beretania and Fort streets enable
people to reach the promenade with
in the solid columns, which ornar
ment this part OF the building.
Adjoining the hall is a commodious