Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-24
C|TY'S WATER FRONT
improvements Noted in the
Southern Section.
AN INCREASE IN BUSINESS
Width Of the Harbor is Declared to Be
Limited.
CHANGES IN EASTERN BRANCH
Better Facilities Are Needed in Order
to Accommodate the Enlarged
Commerce Of the City.
RANGES IN EASTERN BRANCH

IT made a trip through South Washing
ton and along the water front few days
ago." said q correspondent to Star re-
porter, In discussing the diversified i'm
provements Of the city in its various Sec
lions, land / was surprised to note what
change has taken place in this quarter
of the city within comparatively recent
date.
LAS we all know. the water front was
once one Of the eyesores Of the capital. a
condition due to various local reasons, but
which am glad to say have now been re-
moved, and with the readjustment OF own
ership rights and privileges, a more pro-
gressive spirit on the part Of the occupiers
of this property and the installation Of new
plants and river transportation facilities
the entire section has been completely met
amorphosed to the satisfaction Of all cen
cerned and the credit of the city.
What Has Been Done.
1.-The bottom of the harbor has been
dredged and the water deepened The
several old half-sunken hulks and scows
and vessels of various sizes which for
merly, lay embedded In the mud on the
farther side of; the channei., and which
were not only dishguring but more or less
of menace to navigation. have been re-
moved. The upper portion Of the channel
toward the 14th street end affords a safe
anchorage for small pleasure craft, and
many Of these graceful little boats rocking
idly upon its placid waters greatly tend to
the picturesque view of the harbor which
may be obtained from the 18th street en-
bankment.
''All along the entire water front are evil
dences OF Improvement in buildings and
the application Of fresh paint. Many of the
older structures have been whitewashed
and their past dinginess obiterated. Around
many of the property holdings until re-
Gently were tumble-down and dilapidated
fences. These have been torn down and
new ones erected A number of the old
time buildings and sheds have been RACED
improvements in and around the fish mar
ket are noticeable. especially on the score
OF cleanliness and sanitary features. This
particular section. however. is susceptible
OF still further renovation.
River Front Changes.
1.-The most prominent improvements are
been made by the steamboat companies in
their passenger and freight accommoda-
lions and the approaches thereto In sew
eral instances entirely new buildings have
been erected. while others have been re-
paired and newly painted. Several of the old
wharves which were in a state of danger
Gus dilapidation have been entirely re-
moved. while the government has erected
a new pier at the north end of the ar
senal grounds. One or two of the river
steamboat companies which have wharfage
frontage will shortly begin the erection Of
entirely new structures which will be up to
date In all respects.
Property owners on the north and the
east sides of the water front have also
caught the spirit of improvement, and sew
eral new frontages of two-story brick
dwellings now occupy former vacant