The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-07-19
Local Real Estate Market
Upset by Increase in Wall
Thickness for Small Dwell
lings, But Restored by
Change of Date.
Regulation Originally Dated
July 9 Suspended Until
September 9-NeW Build
ing for the Homeopathic
Hospital.

With the exception of several sales
and building operations of more or less
importance, the last week has been
marked by the dullness that usually
characterizes the summer months be-
tween the middle of July and Septem-
Der. Up TO the middle of the present
month the market in both the building
and sales departments has shown IN
precedented activity, and II was even
said that the usual summer lethargy
would be avoided this season as the ex-
tensive operations then IN allegiance
would give operators plenty to do. De-
spite predictions to the contrary. and
against the hopes of builders and dealers
the dullness has settled upon the mar
ket. and bids fair to continue for some
time to come.
The District Building Department has
never before had as slow a week as
that which closed yesterday. Applica-
tons for building permits have been
scarce. Repair work has been the OBJ
ject of much more than a majority of
the applications filed. and in quite a
number of cases permits to construct
sheds were granted
Anticipating New Regulations.
This noticeable decrease, however. mas
given the employees a much needed rest,
as the work for the two previous weeks
established a record for the Office Of
the District of Columbia building de-
partment. The rush was caused in large
measure By the addition to the build
ing code calling for a 1S-inch party
wall instead of inches, as has previous
ly been the rule. This would apply al
most entirely TO houses Of the smaller
variety. and it has been noted that the
rush" existing in the Building Inspec-
tors Office has been confined to houses
OF small size.
The addition to the rules has evoke
much criticism and complaint from pros
pective builders and real estate opera
tors. Building Inspector Ashford re-
ceived last week a letter OF complaint
asking that the time limit for the en-
forcement of the new rule be extended.
as the contractors had not had sufficient
notice. Mr. Ashford thought differently.
and in submitting the letter TO Engineer
Commissioner Biddle recommended that
the law be enforced as was planned
July 9. Commissioner Biddle. however.
thought that more liberal limit placed
on the rule would cause more building
than would otherwise occur, and rec
commended that the enforcement be de-
layed sixty days from July 9.
The new regulation covering party
walls will thus go into effect September
?. On this account the building depart
ment expects a revival Of extensive op-
erations in the early fall As is gener-
ally the custom. fail building for spring
renting will cause a decided increase in
the operations. and it is said that even
the buildings contemplated for next
spring VIII be started in order to OBJ
tain the benefits Of the present building
laws.
Where Strikes Interfere.
Hot weather and the prospect of
waiting until fall has not. however.
been responsible for all OF the present
dullness. High prices Of building ma
terials and several strikes N branches
of the labor unions have proved a bug
bear to many prospective builders. As
has been stated in these columns be-
fore a single firm OF architects in
this city has plans involving over $780,
600 ready for bids should a favorable
opportunity present Itself. Several
other firms have Joined In the com
plant against labor and building ma
teriais'' and say that as long as present
conditions continue their work Will be
almost at a standstiu.
Construction on small houses has in
a great measure been affected by the
strike OF the PIasterers' Union. Plaster
ing on almost every independent build
ing operation in this city has ceased
and contractors are afraid to bid for
and begin building operations until
some definite agreement between the
warning factions has been reached.
The strike OF the hod carriers, though
in itself q small affair, has had some
appreciable effect on building work and
IN the higher class Of houses the strike
OF the steamhtters has had some effect
Builders when approached do not hest
tate 10 say so, and do not care to I'M
dertake projects in which they cannot
deal with some surety Of labor.
1t viii be seen that building is re-
tarded in no small degree and until the
several strikes take a decided turn for
the better there is no doubt building
az