Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-08
REAL ESTATE GOSSIP
Some Opinions as to the Cur
rent Market Conditions.
THE DEMAND FOR HOUSES
Prospects for Rental Season, Which
Is at Hand.
GREAT CHANGES IN THE CITY
What a Journey About Washington
Would Reveal Even to the
Oldest Inhabitant.
GREAT CHANGES IN THE CITY

There is good demand for houses. Peo-
pie want to buy and people want to rent
That is the view of the market at this
time taken by Harry Wardman. probably
the most extensive builder of houses and
apartments in the city. In discussing
current conditions Wardman spoke of
what he has done this season and of his
plans for the balance of the year.
Since the opening of the present year
he has erected or begun some one hum
dred and sixty houses. He expects before
the end of the year to start about one
hundred more.
He has found good demand for suites
of rooms in apartment houses he has'built
which were taken rapidly as they were
ready for occupancy. AS an indication of
the state of the market he said that in
one month there have been sold some
past month.
The Rental Market.
II is the opinion of Luther Swartzen,
in charge of the rent department of the
Swartzen. Rheem & Hensey Co., that the
rental season. which will be fairly started
about the middle of the present month";
is going to be good. He bases this view
on inquiries already coming in in regard
to suites i'll apartments and to houses
What Can Be Seen.
There is no one. however long his resi-
dence In this city, who cannot see great
deal that is unknown or new by taking
little excursions TO various sections. This
is true not alone of those who live rather
narrow and restricted lives, but applies to
those who go about good deal and
may be said TO be fairly posted on what
IS happening in a material way in the
city in which they live.
In the first place there are great and
fundamental changes which have been
wrought in the southWes -ern and east
ern sections OF the city by the new steam
railroad terminal by which all grade
crossings within the old limits of the city
haye been done away with. Much has
been accomplished on this account in the
northeastern section of the city and cs-
pecialy from the Union station north
ward. In both localities the changes have
amounted to almost transformations Old
landmarks have disappeared and unIa-
miliar scenes are before one.
Then there are the new public buildings
10 be seen. four OF them of the larger
type. the National Museum building, the
one for the Agricultural Department and
the two structures for the offices of the.
House and of the Senate All these build
'nGs are important additions to the ar
Chltecture of the city. and contribute ma
terially to the dignity and beauty which
makes Washington worthy TO be the
Capital city Of the nation.
Beyond the Old Bounds.
What would perhaps hold tn attention
OF the man of the woman who thus
is trying 10 renew acquaintance with the
city of his or her home is the pushing out
of the city which has taken place in all di-
rections. The town of Anacostia no longer
marks the limit of the line of settlements
in that direction Buildings have crept
up the hill and beyond. Swinging around
thNES ttrE
of Pennsylvania avenue extended where
the wooded heights are now dotted with
houses.
Then there is the locality on each side
OF Rhode Island avenue extended, with
its chain of settlements extending out
from the old city limits and lexington
and Brookland, and making continuous
the line that reaches into MARYLAND with
its farthest boundary ending with the
town of Laurel. which is about half way
ON the road TO Baltimore.
Great Rapidity of Growth.
In this locality. anu forming d direct ex-
tension of the city. is Bloomngdaie. which
sprang up with marvellous rapicity and
probably holds the record for the great
esq number of houses built in one locality
within the period of time. The place has
not stopped growing. and the influence of
these improvements has been felt
throughout the lie Droit Park region,
which no longer has the aspect of sub
urban locality.
The entire Columbia Heights section has
been extended to the north and to the
east, that Brightwood avenue as far
out almost as Brightwood itself and as
far TO the west as 18th street is a con-
tinuation of the city. with rows of houses
and paved streets and all the features of
city life. This growth Is also found in
the section west Of Nth street and south
of Piney branch. There are strong indi-
cations that the region north of the lat
teT viii soon be invaded
Record of Wonderful Progress.
When the extent Of this new territory