Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-07

sary to build a bridge that has large
dimensions. For example, there are five
15O-foot arches, separated by 2O-foot piers
and there are two S2-foot arches.
Is Big Structure.
The average height of the floor of, the
bridge from the ground is 1856 feet, while
the width of the roadway of the bridge is
50 feet-a greater width than that o!
Broadway, New York, from building line
to building line. In another respect big.
ness Is a characteristic of the structure
as ii cost about $a5O,OOO.
The important feature, however, is tht
fact that 1t Is going to be great public
convenience, as it will shorten the dis
lance from the city's center to that sec
ton of the outlying region which lies tc
the north. and will supply a much-needed
connecting link in that great thorough.
fare-Connecticut avenue
Useful and Beautiful.
The bridge is going to be more than a
mere convenience. a shortening Of a line
OF travel, for 1t is a graceful and at
tractive structure The outlines Of the
mass are good and satisfying to the eye
a picture of the skillful use Of material
which in itself is neither Harmonious mol
beautiful, but which has been wrought
by the skill of man into forms that are
not only useful, but pleasing. The latter
result has been attained not only by good
designing, but by careful study Of color
effects, so that. instead of the cold gray
tone which is the natural hue of concrete,
a soft shade of yellow has been given to
the blocks In portions.
Owing to the material used, as we'll as
the other features mentioned, the Con-
necticut avenue bridge is now. and Is like
ly to be, one Of the sights of the city.
The other recent additions to the bridges
of this vicinity do not possess such a
claim upon the attention of the public.
no fuynh r{d fho Dat tn1 NO
the place of the ancient Long bridge and
in the immediate vicinity of the site OF
that structure, now no more, are of steel
supported on piers of masonry. One is
entering the city from the south, while
the other. as the name of Highway bridge
implies, is for the accommodation of the
public, whether on foot or in vehicles, OF
using the electric cars.
Improved Facilities.
The increased facilities which these
bridges furnish as compared with what
were to be had on the old structure are
Of such a character as to make this i'm
proVement one of the most important to
the material development Of the city that
has taken place for many years. The
Highway bridge Ia q valuable connecting
link between the outlying portion Of Vir-
ginia, and also with Brfckhaven, where
the brick-making industry of the city is
now mainly located.
Another bridge that will play an impor-
tant part in the growth of the city and
it's business Is the steel structure that
is being built across the Eastern branch
in the vicinity Of what is known as the
navy yard bridge at the foot of 18th
street. This structure Is to be composed
of six steel arch spans with q central lift
draw span and will be 1000 feet long and
will cost when completed nearly half
million of dollars
1t is being built so as to be adapted to
the proposed change in the width of the
Eastern branch when the improvements are
completed and the channel of the stream
is made to conform more to the quantity
of water than is the case at present. In
other words, the banks OF that stream are
to be reclaimed in the same fashion
which has resulted In such a striking
change in the old Potomac fats, and the
malarial swamps are to be made into
The Rock Creek Gorge.
In the event that the open plan treat
ment of the gorge or valley of Rock creek
from Massachusetts, avenue TO its mouth
is adopted by Congress, there will
be many additions to the bridges of the
city, for 1t is proposed to span the park
into which this valley is to be- trans
formed by bridges at all points where
they will be needed. These structures
will not be either elaborate in design
or costly in construction. but it is sup
posed will be light and graceful creations
suitable for the trafic which will pass
over them.
Condition Of the Market.
There was no change in the market out
look the past week, except that, owing
to the general improvement in financial
no 90,
money. it is supposed that better condi-
lions will prevail in all branches of &C.
tivity. 1: this expectation is realized there
Is no reason why the real estate market
Ia this city should not feel the influence.
1t is generally recognized by those who
are familiar with the local situation that
II the realty market stood alone there
would be great deal going on. but, of
course. with disturbed and uncertain
state of affairs generally in business cir.
cles. IT would not be possible for the real
estate market TO remain unaffected.
To Outside influence.
In other words. the present state of the
market is due to outside conditions, and
Is therefore compulsory and not volun-
tary. This arises from the fact that IL is
believed by those who are best informed
that the city is not overbuilt. In add,
ton it is also known that the city is in.
creasins in population. and. therefore
anything done In the way Of increasing
the number of apartments and of houses
10 meeting a legitimate and substantial
demand.
On this account it is felt the outlook
for building. as well as for the selling oil
houses, is extremely promising. If Other
things were equally as favorable there
would be no question about the coming
season. AS 1t is. in order to get a com
plete idea OF what is likely to happen II
the realty market the coming season II
Is necessary TO consider the state OF the
business world in general.
AS the business situation continues Il
improve, and especially as money shall
become more available in the shape Of
loans, it may be expected there will be &C
tivity in real estate.
A Change Of Business.
Arthur c. Houghton. who has for sever
years past. been connected with tn,
Washington Law Reporter Company, frs
In the capacity of bookkeeper and later a,
business manager. has resigned his posi-
ton to enter the real estate business. H,
Aas associated himself with the sales de