The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-11-28
LAND is IN DEMAND
WEST SIDE FLATS ARE BEING
EAGERLY SOUGHT JUST
NOW
ARE RAILROADS INTERESTED 2
BY Some 1t Is Thought That Yard
Facilities Are in View-PrO-
ject for Another
Bridge.

Unusual activity in West side realty
circles and the constant absorption Of
options Oh small holdings i'll the vicinity
Of the West side flats by parties outside OF
the city are ieviving the prediction made
some years ago that the fats would in
time be the railroad center of st. Paul.
Options or. several blocks in that local
ity, it is said, have been secured in the
last month, while transfers made prior to
that practically give the company be-
hind the deal control of nearly all of the
territory known as the flats. the llli-
nois Central was given credit for some
of the purchases, but the company so far
has given no tangible evidence that 1t
was even interested.
In council circles it is expected that
both the Great Western and the Omaha
railroads will ask for a right Of way ere
long over this part of West st. Paul.
Surveyors We're seen on the ground two
weeks ago.
The Omaha is now connecting its West
side spur track with the Great Western
tracks just west of the American Hoist
ings works. This will give it a direct en-
trance to the stock yards but it is known
the company would prefer to have its
own tracks, and this desire may ;llti-
mately be realized in q request for a
right of way.
Lie 0IGdC western has lIdChdSG tights
over this territory, but according to
those who have interested themselves in
the matter, it's right is somewhat clouded.
In addition to giving immense terminal
facilities, ample room could be found for
factories, and it is for this reason that
many of the roads would like to secure
access to it.
The known advantages of the flats and
the knowledge that it will one day be a
network of tracks and fourishing fac
tories is being made the basis of a scheme
to sidetrack the proposed extension of
the Third street bridge, and use the
over the Mississippi river. The repair
and extension of the Third street bridge,
it is estimated, will cost $S0,000
The dropping of the Broadway project
greatly retarded the growth of the West
side, and it is now proposed to revive
the scheme.
Bridges similar to the Robert and Wa
baSha street affairs come high, but
Bridge Engineer Edmonstone says the
cost could be materially reduced if the
jackknife style Of bridge was construct
ed. These bridges are extensively used
in Chicago.
Establish Information Bureau.
Anyone having unimproved lots on the
west SOQe ana QeSlrOuS OF rodElZlnS on
them can hear something to his adj
vantage if he will call on or enter into
correspondence with the officers of the
West Side Improvement association.
Inquiries regarding available factory
sites are now a daily occurrence with the
association and in order to meet the de-
mand for information the members have
placed the matter in the hands of COM
nlittee which will compile a list of avail
able lots and secure from the owners
their price for the same.
The question Of factory sites formed
the basis of an interesting discussion at
the regular meeting of the association
last night. Inquiries, the secretary said,
were being made daily, the majority being
from parties outside the city, but because
of lack of information they could not
be answered properly. In addition to Sc
lecting factory site committee, it was
decided to advertise for offers.
Attention was called to the poor light
ing service that the West side is receiv-
ing, and committee named to call on
the proper authorities and demand re-
form. 1t is claimed that many of the
lamps are not lighted until o'clock in
the evening.