Evening star., 1902-02-15
Height of Buildings.

Height OF Buildings.
Tall buildings a topic of conversation
continues to be of absorbing interest in all
circles connected with the building trades
as we'll as in the wider one comprising those
who have investments and those who want
to see the features of attractive beauty in
this city increased. This latter class how
ever, is inclusive Of a large proportion of all
the others, AS everybody who has at heart
the prosperity Of the city realizes that any
thing that adds to its beauty is an advan-
tage. The proposition that has been made to
greatly reduce the elevations now allowed
by the building regulations, and the fur
ther announcement on the part of the Com
missoners that no permits would be issued
pending action Of Congress, makes the sub
ject of current Importance
1t seems to be the sentiment Of a number
or the architects of the city, Informally eX-
pressed, to favor some regulation which
will fix the minimum as well as the max
imum height Of structures. What those ex-
tremeS should be is the cause Of much d.
versity Of opinion. Exactly how high or
how low property owner should be al
lowed 10 erect. structure seems to be a
question about which there Is difficulty in
reaching harmonious conclusion.
A Conflict of Opinion.
On the other hand, there are those who
believe that no restrictions Of the proposed
character should appear in the building
regulations, on the general ground that all
new buildings representing outlay of
money are an Improvement to the city,
Objection is made to the Intervention Of
municipal regulations with the freedom Of
the expenditure Of money. At the same
time it seems to be recognized that there
are certain principles of harmony in build
ing up of a city which somehow do not
seem to be reconciled with the modern
building which the use of iron construction
has brought into vogue.
In addition, the proximity of these lofty
structures in this climate, especially, are
regarded as harmful, because they lessen
the supply OF light and air. The latter Is
an important consideration here, where
summer weather prevails for at least six
months in the year.
The latest suggestion is from the Com
missiOners, and proposes to place the grant
ing of permits for such structures on the
same basis as the issue Of liquor licenses
and requires the man who wants to erect
q high structure to secure the consent of
the adjoining property holders.
Probably for Railroad Uses.
One Of the largest of the transa ctions re-
Gently recorded in property along Dela-
ware avenue northeast was placed on rec
ord during the past week. While the deed
was not in the name Of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company. it Is thought that
in this instance, as well as in the other
cases, the purchase was made for the COM
pany. Through the negotiations of agents,
as stated IN The Star, a good deal ofprop-
erty in that locality has been quite recent
ly acquired by the company, with the sup
posed purpose Of having the necessary land
to provide room for the tracks when the
new line is authorized by the pending leg
tSlatiOn.
The series Of purchases extend from Flor
ida avenue to Massachusetts avenue, and
the one completed during the past week
through A. 5. CaywOod, real estate broker
Is the largest single transaction in the en-
tire series. The total amount OF the con-
sideration was s1O2OSs, and for this money
the owner, Mary c. Blodgett, transferred
the property at the northwest corner of
Delaware avenue and L street northeast,
having frontage OF 315 feet on Delaware
avenue, lat feet on L street and 1878 feet
on Colfax street. The price paid per foot
was $3.50
An Encouraging Condition.
In the opinion Of Mr. Charles W. Fairfax
Of the firm of Stone & Fairfax the recent
large purchases Of property shows that cap
italists consider Washington realty a good
thing to buy, even when the immediate
prospect offers no higher return than or
per cent.
1t is apparent, Mr.. Fairfax thinks, that
men of means look upon the market hero
as having promising future He believes
that this condition Is generally recognized,
and for this reason he predicts a more ac-
tive demand.
Sales Of Property.
Moore & Hill, real estate brokers, have
closed the following sales during the past
week: 1107 18th street, to Mrs. Ann c.. Seitz,
for $3.50; for w. X. Hill, 2130 G. street.
for $500; to Mrs. Bridget Cudmore, a lot
on North Capitol street between M street
and New York avenue. for 81 800. The pur-
For Joseph P. Card, 1884 Kraemer street
northeast; for Mrs. Louise e. Perkins, 600
A street southeast, for 5000, and for
Charles j. Walker, 1908 I'd street, for