Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-10

west corner of F and 18th streets, and
later the tall business house near the cor
ner of 18th and F streets, which also mas
a frontage on 18th street. The Washlns-
ton Loan and Trust Company building was
begun in 1889 and completed In 1891. II
represented the first of the great modern
fireproof office buildings to be erected IN
this city. The Atlantic. Metzerott and
Tally buildings and the Columbia Theater
were added to the number of handsome
structures on F street
Among the more recent structures are the
handsome home OF the Union Trust Conn
pany and the Wyatt building at the corner
of 18th street.
As to the big hotels on street, the New
Willard, which occupies the frontage on
F street formerly taken up by the old hotel
and Wizards Hall, represents large IN
vestment and is one of the most important
improvements that the city has experienced
in years. Prior TO 1856 the buildings which
occupied the site of the present Ebbitt
House were known as Frenchman's Hotel.
and in that year the property was bought
by William E. Ebbitt. In 1864 ii passed
into the hands of Mr.. c. c. Willard, who
erected the present hotel structure.
1t Is said that on the lot upon which now
stand the small buildings known as 1896
and 1898 F street, Immediately east of the
Ebbitt House. in the rear stood the home of
Aaron Burr. There was said to have been
In front of the house fence with a small
gate. through which the neighbors entered
the yard to obtain water from very fine
well In the rear. which existed there at that
time.
Marvellous Increase.
To illustrate the marvellous increase in
real estate values on this street in the last
twenty years. 1t is stated that 800 square
foot was offered for a special purchase
some time ago for the small lot 80 by 60
feet, on the southeast corner Of 18th and F
streets. and 1t is stated TO be the intention
of the purchasers to erect splendid fire.
proof office building on the ground at the
northeast corner of 14th and F streets. for
which S16 a square foot was recently paid.
Prophetic of the great commercial future
of this thoroughfare was the remark made
by Mr. A. T. Stewart the New York "mer-
chant prince of those days. who. after
been asked by President Grant to accept
the Treasury portfolio. came to Washing
ton and declined because. among other rea-
sons he was a large importer. Coming
out OF the treasury opposite F street. 1t is
recalled, Mr.. Stewart looked down its length
and remarked: II believe that street will
become the leading business street of
Washington-the main artery of trade "
Thirteenth Street
The business Importance of 18th street
from Pennsylvania avenue has steadily
grown In the estimation of those who are
interested In the commercial progress OF the
city Its great breadth, the absence of
stIeet-car tracks it's superiority splen-
did driveway and thoroughfare are empha-
sized as peculiar advantages that command
this portion of the street as a business To-
c6 ton. The sidewalks have twice the
breadth of those on 18th and 18th streets,
and all lots on both sides of 18th street run
back TO a thirtyfoot alley. Real estate
men claim that many new lines of business
activity are being introduced. and that as
competition is not great at present this
location possesses a consequent advantage
to any particular interest Thirteenth street