Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-23

1t is not possible to determine from the
few plans that have been announced or
building enterprises to be started during
the coming months as to the extent and
volume of the business during the new
season. There is question that num-
Der of men who make a study OF market
prospects not for their own pleasure ana
to while away the time but in order to
decide upon plans for the investment of
money are of the opinion there IS going
to be a good deal of building during the
next few months.
The practical reason why building oper-
atoms are to be continued next spring is
the demand for houses and apartments
How II happens that men have discovered
there is such a demand is simply from the
way the supply of such accommodations
has been exhausted. There is no let-up.
Suites in apartment buildings continue
10 be taken before the buildings are nm
ished They are engaged by those who
are familiar only with the exterior OF
the buildings and know the interior mere
" from the floor plans seen at the omceS
of the agents
Dwellings are sold the same way, so
that 1t has not been an unusual eX-
perience for a builder to dispose prac-
structural work had advanced far. Now
adays II is rather uncommon for houses
10 be built for the market except for
one class and that is the home buyer.
Occasionally house is sold to an 1nves-
tor who subsequently rents 1t, put for
the most part the activity In building
here for the past few years has been to
supply the demand that comes from those
who want TO buy the house which their
families occupy.
1t is not meant there Is no investment
feature about dwellings or that such prop
erty is not acquired for that purpose. as
such would be ignoring an important
phase of the market. The statement is
entirely relative. for. as compared with
the home-buying movement the invest
ment buying is less in volume and does
not represent such a large percentage
OF the entire business.
As to Overbuilding.
There are to be found those who, as
observers of the market, are beginning to
feel nervous about the relation of the
supply of houses to the demand. They
are inclined to believe the limit has been
reached for the time being and that
enough houses have been erected to meet
all requirements. They suggest that per
haps it would be we'll to wait and let
the city catch up.
On the other hand it is claimed there is
no sense in waiting for the something
TO catch up that is already ahead. and
this is asserted to be the situation as to
population and building. IL this was
not SO. 1t is argued. then it would be
seen in the falling away in the demand
for houses and apartments. Nothing of
the sort has taken place, IT is claimed
and on that account it is believed by
some persons that the tide of building
is going to be full and rapid during the
coming months
Old-Time Residence.
The old-time residence, 92S NJ street,
which the Turnverein has acquired
for its home will be admirably adapt
ed for the new uses, it is believed by
those who are familiar with the prop
erty Some OF the older residents of the
city recall the time when the house was
built which was a few years after the
war. 1t was a type of the home OF a
wealthy man of that day, and for that
reason II has an interest showing
what was looked upon forty years ago
the last word along the line OF elab-
crate living.
The house was built by John W. Ell
wins and not only in the style but In the
location IT followed the custom of the
day. At that time NJ street, especially
east of 14th street, was known as the
sristocratic quarter of the city. Then
the French or mansard roof was thought
TO be essential.
Today French forms may be said to
dominate domestic architecture, especial
" i'm the more elaborate and expensive
house. Ii is long way. however, from
the mansard roof type of forty years ago
10 the private residences of the larger class
of today. and such a separation represents
the difference between the incomes and
the methods of living of today and of that
period.
Fashion and Property.
The influence of fashion on property
values is one of the we'll recognized
factors in determining what most any
piece of property is worth. If ii is in
certain sections east or west or north or
south of some line which appears to be
an official boundary through some I'M
known authority. then its market value
reaches a certain level without regard
to other considerations.
1t appears that persons are willing to
pay more for a house and add several
degrees to the rent, providing only its
location meets their ideas of the proper
place to live. 1t is not quite extreme
in this city is said to be the case in
Philadelphia, where II is claimed person
cannot be recognized socially unless he