The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-20

OF cnanBeS
Only few business ms in Birmingham
own the buildings they occupy. though
there are many long leases and some per-
manent ownerships. The new and mod
ern buildings In good localities always
draw a number of well established mer-
chants, who account modern constrJc-
ton an over-balance to established old
stands.
A Building Year.
The year ending September 30 marks
no diminution in lne number of new
business buildings. The architects, ma
sons and carpenters cannot account this
a dull year in their line. The close-in lots
are being rapidly occupied by substantial
buildings While there has been no trans
position of the business center It's area
ma. be said to be largely increased, and
1t is fair to assume that this extension
will increase from year to year as Biz
mingham grows as a commercial CEN
ter.
In the residence part of the city build
Ing operations have assumed proportions
or dimensions closely approxlmating a
building boom" Hundreds of new
house have been built during the
rental year just closing and they
are mostly modern In construction.
Some of these are to be occu-
pied as homes by their owners. Many
are to be rented, and the average land
lord In Birmingham has learned that the
modern, comfortable, cozy cottage is the
one most profitable to him and attractive
to the tenant The old-fashioned shoddy
houses are rapidly giving way to the
new. for they are not profitable to the
owner and must bear the for rent
sign.
Rental Rates Unchanged.
There seems to be no general change
In the rental rate of Birmingham for the
coming year. Price are about the same
as last year. an the influx of population
is offsetting tho increased number OF
houses in a healthful way.
The coal miners strike has made no
perceptible change in the demand for
homes as few Of those people dwell with
In the city limits. Many of them live in
the suburban towns and own their own
homes.
Real estate agents report many In
quiries by prospective buyers of real es.
tate in the city--the greater demand be-
ing for choice business and residence
lots. Central business property shows nc
depreciation whatever, in fact 1t is quoted
higher than 1t was year ago. Residence
property enjoying the advantage of good
neighborhood. proximity to schools
churches and Fairgrounds for children
is commanding special attention.
Land Companies Progressive.
The several land companies are present
| ing liberal invitations to investors, in
terms of sale and aid for the erection OF
homes. They so arrange their offerings
that men and women of small means
may now acquire delightful permanent
homes, either in the city proper or in the
/ suburbs.
The street car company is to be a great
beneficiary of the rapid building up Of
the suburbs as nearly every one of the
more progressive land companies, which
are locating people are presenting promp
| and frequent street car service as an in
ducement.
The concensus of opinion among rea
estate men and others who have watch
ed the movement heretofore in this city
is that this is a good time to invest II
Birmingham property, and it Is though
that with the marketing Of the cotton
crop of this and adjoining states and I
resumption of mine and furnace opera
lions in this district, heavy investmen
will be made here in real estate.
DAMAGE SUIT FILED.