Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-18
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP
Progress Made in Widening
Columbia Road.
SOME NEW BUILDINGS
FAVORABLE EFFECT ON MARKET
OF CLOSE OF COAL STRIKE.
Activity in the Business Sections of
the City in Providing Addi-
tional Structures.
SOME NEW BUILDINGS

The work of grading the roadway Of Co
lumbia road, from 18th street to 10th
street. and thence out the latter thorough
fare, is in progress by the District govern
ment 1t is the intention to continue the
leveling and grading all the way out to the
latter street to Park street, in Mount Pleas
ant. When the roadway is ready the rail-
way company will begin the laying of the
rails for the extension of what is known
the Connecticut avenue line. The iron that
will be used for the underground work is
being received, and has been hauled along
the sides of the street. 1t is possible that
the actual laying of the railroad tracks
can be begun next week. In addition to
grading this thoroughfare from 18th street
to Park street a pavement is to be laid.
New Weather Bureau Station.
An important station for the United States
weather bureau is to be located on the
crest of the mountains near Smokers Gap,
Va, or what is now known Bluemont.
A tract OF land Of some siXty-eight acres
has been purchased about five miles south
west of Bluemont. and at an elevation of
some fifteen hundred feet. Here is to be
station of the bureau, which Will carry to
this northern point a chain of stations which
extends down to Asheville, NC. Plans for
large frame building. have been prepared by
Harding ana Jpmdn, drCnltectS OF InlS city,
and accommod ations will thus be provided
for the force of observers. who will not only
do their work there, but will make their
home at that place, as the building is de-
signed both for office and living purposes
Suburban School House.
The same firm has also prepared plans for
an artistic and convenient structure which
is to erected at Glen Carlyn, Va. ror
school uses. The design is colonial, and the
new structure will make handsome addi-
ton to the modern features Of that suburb
an place.
Mr. Sleman's Residence.
The residence of Mr.. John B. Sleman,
which formerly stood on the line of 10th
street extended. and which was condemned
when the land for the opening of that
thoroughfare was secured for the public, Is
to be removed to Howard avenue. Ingleside.
The building was purchased by Mr.. Sleman,
when it was offered at public sale, and he
has secured Harding and Upman, archi-
tects, to improve and alter the structure in
its new location.
Affected by the Coal Strike.
The close of the coal strike will have a
favorable influence in all lines OF business.
and will be of special consequence in the
real estate market, for the reason that the
demand for houses yet to rent Will become
increased. There was prospect that a
number of the larger houses which are
usually rented during the latter part OF this
month and the first of next for the winter
season would remain idle. Il is quite evil
dent that with the uncertainty In regard to
fuel people hesitate about taking on the re-
sponsibilty Of large establishment.
The outlook was not promising. and
number of houses which are usually in de-
mand were not called for. and the pros
pect seemed to be that they would stand
idle for the entire season. Now, however,
that people can make their plans with some
definit eness, it is believed that the market
will be an active one; that similar activity
to that which has marked the renting sea-
son for houses of a smaller class will
characterize the entire renting list
Demand for Houses.
It is said by dealers that the demand for
houses. especially for those renting for $40
and less. has been very good this year. and
has practically exceeded the supply. While
this is not an unusual occurrence, still.
owing to the large additions made during
the past year or two to the apartment
facilities of the city. 1T was thought that
the market for houses of seven to ten
rooms would be affected. 1t appears how
ever. that not only are the apartments well
taken but also the houses. which seems to
show that the population Is increasing.
The building Of houses OF moderate size has
gone on during the entire period OF the