Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-13

MARYLAND AVE. SOUTHWEST
LATTER DAY TRANSFORMATION
Long Stretch of Attractive Parking Now Supplants
Confusion of Tracks Sequel to Change of
Steam Terminal---Few Houses Are Vacant.

Over q year has passed since the new
steam terminal In this city has come into
complete use. The change that has been
brought about by the substitution OF
surface tracks with either the sunken or
the overhead tracks is quite evident. espe-
clally to one who visits South Washing
ton with any recollection at ell of con-
ditions as they existed under the old sys-
tenn. Maryland avenue. instead Of being
a depressing and disorder1y scene OF a
confusion Of tracks and sidings, Is now
clean and filled with sunshine and IL as
bright and attractive almost as any street
In the city.
One portion OF the roadway east OF 18th
street which was lost in the general con-
fusion Of the railroad yard which &C.
cupied this broad avenue u now sodded
and set out as a park. and all that IL
needed are the park settees and. per-
-haps. q bed or two of foliage plants to
make IL a really attractive addition OF
the city.
The fact that It comes up TO the white
cement walls that form the sides Of the
deep trench into which the railroad tracks
are now sunk. and from whose depths &C.
casional puffs Of smoke come from
some passing engine. need not detract
materially from the pleasures OF such a
park. although it is likely there are peo-
pie not wanting who complain OF the
smoke and also, no doubt, the whistles
and other noises incident to the opera
ton OF railroad.
A Curious Feature.
There Is no question, however, that the
Improvement in the appearance OF this
he rhon in "A l.
road terminal, but the curious feature
about the situation is that no improve
ment is shown in the realty market. The
buildings remain about the same as they
were before the railroad changes were
made. It is possible more Of the houses
which line the track on both sides
for several squares east Of 14th street
are occupied now than was the case In
the former days. At any rate. there are
In this respect the conditions in the
strictly railroad zone correspond with
what prevails throughout the section
known as South Washington. For 1t 10
said Of this locality that houses for rent
are never empty and that realty values
are on a durable and firm foundation.
It might naturally have been expected
that what has been done to bring order
and an attractive appearances to the rail-
road entrance into Washington would
the property in the immediate locality.
Instead Of retaining the old buildings,
which fell into more or less dilapidation
during the long railway regime. 1t might
be supposed that new structures would
have taken their places.
Few Changes In Property.
1t is possible that such changes will
take place. but they have not occurred
up to the present writing. At the same
time. with the absence OF new buildings
lining Maryland avenue and the street
front remaining practically unaltered.
there .s no question but that the thor
oughfare is greatly improved.
Perhaps there has been more done out
side of what might strictly be called the
railroad zone. although. Of course, 1t can
not be expected TO find there the rows of
houses being built as Is so common in
other sections of the city. for the reason
that South Washington 10 practically An
ished. There is not q great deal Of
ground left for house sites. and from the
present tendency OF things II looks as If
the available area for such purposes will
be less IN the coming years than Is the
case at present.
Some people have an idea that a good
deal Of what might be termed the whole
sale business Of the city IL to be CEN
tered in that locality. Owing to the fact
that IL includes the entire water front
of the city, with the exception of the
Georgetown water front that Is now used
for commercial purposes IL 10 natural that
all the business that comes from water
transportation centers in South Wash
ington,
II Is a question whether or not q good
ly portion Of that which comes over the
steam roads into the city will not also
center in the same locality.
Room for Expansion.
An Improvement 10 now going on which
suggests that. and 1t 10 the large cold stor-
age warehouse which is being erected by
Tire Washington Market Company at the
foot Of 18th street. There Ia room for
expansion. although the structure which
ia now going UP covers good portion
Of tbs square. When this building Is nm
ished the commission merchants who
bring to the city perishable goods will
he able to keep them in cold storage just
as is done now In the cold storage plant
OF the market company In the market
building.
It IL probable that the convenience OF
business will require the merchants to be
near to the cold storage plant. rs they