Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-18
Favorable Condition of the Market
as Now Prevailing.
PROPOSED new BANKING BUILDINGS
Opening Up Rock Creek Park for
Use Of the Public.
0 7 H E r. M A Z 7 E r S

The condition of the real estate market
is regarded as satisfactory for the most
part by dealers and others interested. 1t
is thought while the activity is not as
marked seems to be desirable, especially
from the standpoint of brokers and also
of owners, still realty is again becoming
a factor in the world Of investment hay
ing practically been dropped at the begin
ming of the financial depression. 1t is evil
dent that where the Investment value of
property is pointed out, buyers are not
lacking, and this change in sentiment is
an encouraging one to those who recall the
time, not far distant when it seemed to
be impossible to get people who had money
to even think of putting it in real estate.
Now, however, capital seeks this form of
investment and opportunities are not al
lowed to go by. While this is true yet,
and as the speculative element is not
prominent in the market, there is not that
degree of activity which is regarded as
constituting a live market. 1t is believed,
though that the present condition is a
healthy one, and that the outlook is en-
couraging. Those who are well posted
think the Improvement which has been
noted in the market will continue and
that there will possibly be greater activity
in the near future than IS the character
istic Of the market at present.
There is a likelihood that considerable
building will be done next year, as the
supply of houses is being exhausted. This,
it is believed will be due in part to the
Increase in the population, and as well to
the extension of the street railroad facili-
ties which tend to bring distant points in.
the suburbs near in point of time to the
center of the city. An increase in building
in the suburbs is also confidently expected.
New Bunk Buildings.
Sketch plans for the proposed building for
Riggs National Bank, to be erected on the
ground adjoining on the west the pres
ent bank building, are still under considera-
ton. The lease on the present quarters
will expire a year from next July. 1t is
the intention, it is understood, to erect a
structure that will be worthy OF the loca-
ton, which, now that a new building is to
be buiit on the corner above for the De
pariment Of Justice, is to be greatly i'm
proved. II IS probable that in the near fu-
ture another handsome building to be used
as the home Of a bank, will be erected in
this vicinity. The officers of the Metro
pohtan National Kank realize that its bank
ing house, which is on 18th street between
f and q streets, is not adequate or suited
Tor its uses, and II is proposed to erect on
TINS site a new structure. However, this
matter has not as yet passed beyond the
stage of the recognition of the need of Il
new building, but exactly how it is to be
accomplished without interfering with the
business, and when it is 10 be done. are
malIy proposed nor even considered.
New Part. Drive.ynys
In the near future Rock Creek Park, or
at least portions of it., VIII be accessible
to the public, owing to the opening up of
drives, which is now being done under the
direction and according to the plans of
Captain Beach, the Engineer Commits
sloner, Such progress has been made that
parts of the new roads are already in use
ho-3b-y that extending from the klinsle
FcAd 10 the P!erc@ M,ll road, along the east
ern bank Of Rock creek
This driveway now begins al the Woodlcy
ROAD, at the southern end of the ZJologI-
cal Park. and extends through that park
with q continuation into the Rock Creek
Park, as above stated. The new drive now
leads into the Fierce Mill road at the
bridge, and is continued by that road and
the Broad Branch road to Argyle Mill
road, and then along the latter to the old
mill site. During the past few months, by
means of the money appropriate at the
last session Of Congress, Captain Beach
mas mad a driveway built through the tan
Eied woodland Of Rock creek valley, fol-
lowing the creek first ON the west side and
then for the greater portion OF the distance
to the Military road on the east side.
Tie Rock Creel. valley.
The part of the drive from the Argyle
road to the Military road is only partially
completed, although the grading has been
finished for some time and the workmen
are engaged III macadamizing. Even in its
present state it is possible to go over in a
carriage, and so in this way there has
been an opportunity afforded of visiting
section of Rock creek valley which here
tofore has been practically inaccessible.
Nhen other roads are opened up through
the park the public viii begin to fully real
ize what a valuable acquisition to the at
Effectiveness of this city this beautiful re-
g.On Is.
Another main driveway is also being
opened by captain Reach along the ridge
beginning at the intersection of the Argyle
ana the Broad Branch roads and extend
ing north to the Military road.
IL Is the purpose to continue these drive
ways nQrtn from the Military road to the
bounds of the park, which there are identi-
cal with those of the District.
Chain of Parks.
In this connection it is noted that the
suggestions in the annual report of the
president of the board of trade, which was
presented at the last meeting Of that body,
IN regard to the completion of the chain of
parks and drives which will encircle the
fnr ia