Imperial Valley press., 1908-07-25
NO SUSPENSION OF BUILDING ACTIVITY IN FL cENTRo
 DURING SUMMER MONTHS.
ClTYS HANDSOMEST BLOCK
First National Bank Building to Be
 Erected Immediately - Work Pro- gressing On Brick Business Struc- lures and Many Frame Residences Getting Ready for Ten Thousand.

El Centro is experiencing a period of building activity that is remarkable when the time of year and climatic conditions are considered. The natur- al expectation was that an absolute curtailment of labor in the building trades would be in effect during June, July and August; yet constant prog ress has been made and a most grati- flying showing is to be witnessed in all parts of the town. This doubtless, is but a foretaste of the activities for the coming fall and winter It becomes more evident daily that Fl Centros desire of expanding until it reaches a population of 10000 is not an over-enthusiastic one, and that it may be accomplished even before the five years usually set as the limit for it's achievement.
 Plans for the First National Bank building to be erected on the north west corner of Main and Sixth streets by Thomas Beach, have been con- pleted by Architect Mackey, of Los Angeles, and contractors are now mak- ing their estimates on cost of con- struction. The plans show the hand somest building yet erected or pro- jected in Imperial Valley. The struct- ure will be two stories in height and will cover a ground space of 50X100 feet, exclusive of the arcades cover ing the sidewalks on two sides. The arcade plan is peculiarly suited to this region and it is to be regretted that it has not been followed gener- ally in the business districts of Valley towns. Even the old style California portal, which was abolished from most of the old towns by misguided 'imprOvers", was better than the pre- vailing plan of leaving sidewalks un- protected from sun and rain. It. would be a distinct improvement to re- store the portal, or at least to cover the sidewalks with ample awnings of wood or canvas.
 The material of the new bank building will be terra cotta. with tile for the roof. Under the arches large plate glass windows are shown extend ing the full length of the building.
 The ground floor will be arranged to accommodate the bank and two stores. The second floor will be divid- ed into offices
 It is the intention of Mir. Beach to let contracts immediately and to be- gin construction about the middle of August, that the building may be ready for occupancy when business activity is resumed in the fall. Contractors bids have not been submitted yet, but it is estimated that the building will cost $15,000 or more.
 Citizens proudly point to the busy corps of workmen engaged on the completion of the Hotel Oregon, the finest hotel structure in Southeastern California, which when completed and equipped will represent an outlay of approximately $100,000.
 Carpenters and painters are put ting the finishing touches on the large rooming house of A. Fink, on the north side of Broadway between Fifth and Sixth streets, and to be known as Hotel Broadway. The furniture for this house is arriving. The structure and furnishings will represent an in vestment of about S600O
 This week has witnessed the com pletion of the interior work on the one-story brick business block of M. Levy, of San Bernardino, located on the north side of Main street near Sixth street The building is divided into two store rooms, one of which will be occupied by bakery, and the other by a restaurant.
 The brick structure for the Fl Cen tro Plumbing and Machinery Com! pany, located on the south side of Broadway, about midway between Fifth and Sixth streets, has been sending it's walls skyward rapidly this week. The lumber is on the ground for the carpentry work and Con tractor J. l.. Trayers proposes to rush the work so that the place may be ready to occupy early in August. The walls are twelve inches in thickness, thus providing for the addition of second story next winter, and the plans also call for an addition of forty feet at the rear.
 A corps of cement workers has been kept busy the past week constructing the pool for the Ell Centro natatorium, and carpenters will begin next week on the building which is 70 enclose