Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-17
Proposed Improvement of South Side
Of Pennsylvania Avenue.
ERECTION OF BUSINESS STRUCTURES
Demand for Good Roads Through
the Nearby States.
V A RIOU S Nj A r T E r S


cure a majority of the votes of the people
of that section in favor of the law author
izng the issue of bonds by the county for
the purpose of improving the roads, is
source of genuine regret to all who are in
terested in the material welfare of that re-
gion, which is only separated from the Dis
trict by the Potomac river. This is espe-
cially the case if the recent action means
the end of all prospects of securing mod
ern roads through Alexandria county.
Owing to the expenditure made by the
government. there is a good macadamized
road leading from the Aqueduct bridge to
the military post at Fort Myer and the ma
tional cemetery at Arlington. But as soon
as that road is left the traveller is delayed
and annoyed by conditions which at some
seasons of the year make the roads almost
impossible This section of the country
is near the city, and its natural attractions,
especially along the upper Potomac, are
such TO invite visitors. .
Some of the Advantages.
There seems to be no question that if the
roads were in better condition large num-
Der of the drivers for pleasure would make
the contiguous territory of Virginia an OBJ
jective point. 1t would seem to follow that
if this tide of travel should take such d.
rection the advantages of that region
would become better known, and the op-
portunities of securing homeseekers would
be increased.
While in a general way this would be one
of the effects of goods roads in Virginia, it
is also apparent that there is need of SIM
liar work in portions of Maryland adjoining
the District. Those who have driven along
the Tenleytown road. for example, have
been made painfully aware of the transit
ton from the District into Maryland by the
roughness of the road. Quite recently,
however. the Maryland authorities have
improved the turnpike to Rockville and it
is no longer in the condition of the aver
age country road.
Through the kindness of nature, the
greater care exercised by the state author
tiles the roads through Maryland in this
vicinity are superior to those in Virginia.
1t is quite evident however this city
becomes more and more a business center
for large and ever-increasing area of
country, the policy of good roads will he
forced upon the public attention, and it
will be necessary in the interest of Mary
land and Virginia citizens for the author
tiles of the two states to endeavor to Sc
cure roads of modern character.
Trust Company Buildings.
Plans are being prepared by James G.
Hill, architect, for a large stable to be
erected on the rear of the property owned
by the American Security and Trust Com
pany, on 18th street between l. and NJ
streets. The storage warehouse of this
IOLIpdHy OtSuplc2 d pm ticii VI tHo Siouiiu,
and 1t is the intention of the company in
the near future to enlarge the building by
the erection Of an addition on the south
side.
Plans are also being prepared for
structure to be erected for the use of the
Union Trust and Storage Company, which
was recently organized IN this District.
The new building is to be on the site of
Willard Hall, on the south side of F street
between 18th and 18th streets and is to
have a frontage of about forty feet and eX-
tend back 100 feet to the alley. 1t will be
built of stone, will be one story in height
and will be planned for the use of the
company, which will be given a long lease
on the property by the owner, Mr.. Joseph
E. Willard.
To Improve the Avenue.
widespread interest is being developed"
said one of the leading architects of the
city recently TO a Star reporter, sin the
question of the location of proposed new
public buildings in connection with the i'm
provement of Pennsylvania avenue. Cen
eral public opinion has long favored the ac-
quirement by the government Of the whole
south side of the avenue, from the treasury
to the Capitol and of all private property
lying south to the mall. Ample sites would
thus be insured for all projected national
and municipal public buildings, for housing
the proposed new departments Of govern
ment. for relieving the badly cOngeSted con-
dition of the public offices, and our most
beautiful street, as has been frequently
urged. would be redeemed.
THE idea of succession Of monumental
public edifices standing in generous and
artstically treat ted open spaces, and linking
the western group of the treasury, the
White House and the State, War and Navy
buildings with the noble eastern group Of
the Capitol and the Library of Congress- is
a grand one. The creation Of great public
| monuments is the noblest expression of
nations dignity and greatness.
IN no 70 ION, Go
altogether the best yet put forward. The
cost of acquiring the whole area would be
insignificant as compared with present and
future gain to the city and the nation.
There is no other available large area so
suitable for the purpose. There are no
suitable single sites which may be had
without much greater outlay, the occupa-
ton of public reservations being absolutely
inadmissible factor in the problem
1t is evident that in grouping its build
| ings the government benefits enormously in
increased values, this consideration, how
ever. of course. playing no part as to a gov
| ernment. These arguments must be of Sec
| ondary Importance. The nation is able and
| should treat the question from a higher
| and broader standpoint On esthetic as
| well as practical grounds, the consideration
| of each new building, as designed to form
port of great group would give the best
| results. To that end it would seem that
| Congress would now do well to call the best
| expert opinion to its aid. and invite a con-
| course of eminent architects. scuptors and
i
| hensive scheme for the treatment of the
| whole problem on the lines of which indi-
| vidual cases might hereafter be provided
/ for.
| Comprehensive Plan.
| Whatever is done should be done on
| the lines of a general scheme, broad enough
/ to provide for the far future and the ma
| TONS growing greatness. 1t will certainly
| enhance the grandeur of the nations public
[ buildings to group them in adequate set
tings. 1t will add to the public convenience
| and to their educational value to the people
SO to treat them. 1t will add to the artistic
| value of each building when 1t thus be-
comes unit in the great whole. The policy
| OF spotting monumental buildings here and
| there about the city, without regard to
| surroundings, is wastcful as to the whole
| effect of our public architecture and bad
on the score of convenience.
"Consonance In style also must be con-
stdered. We need not enter upon the ques-
ton of what style. since we find ourselves
already committed on that point by our
l DOSSeSSiOn of a nf to,s