The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-29
BUILDERS BUSY.
WOrkmen Are Now Producing
Noise Like Prosperity.
Building Operations During
Week OH at Full Blast.
NEW HOMES PLANNED.
John F. Norton to Erect Pre-
tentiOus Residence.
Items of Interest Among Real
Estate Men.

The workmen engaged in the con-
struction of the various new business
blocks and dwellings in the city have
for a couple of weeks been making
noise like prosperity. The weather
which has been sufficiently balmy to
permit of hundreds of workmen, who
have been out of employment for
something like six weeks, to get busy
has given the contractors an oppor-
tunity to rush work for art least a
short period OF time.
While the earth has been covered
with a casing of snow and ice the
builders have not been idle but have
been getting material on hand in
readiness to rush matters when
weather conditions permit. AS a con-
sequence during the period of sun
shine which we have been enjoying
they have been decidedly active.
AS has been mentioned in this col
umn the prospects for another record
in building operations is likely to be
made during the ensuing year. In
this connection the following state
lnent from A. A. Rodgers of Rodgers,
Davis & Co., is. of interest: L have
had more inquiry for brick since the
first of the year than had during the
year 1909. This is significant. Every
- day there are people here getting
prices
Among the residences which are
being erected this year are two plan
ned by Frank c. Squires. the archi-
tect, which will rank among the most
attractive residences in Topeka.
One is the w. T. Crosby home on
Topeka avenue, the foundation walls
of which are now up to grade, and
the other a dwelling being built on
the southeast corner of Twelfth and
Tyler streets for John F. Norton.
This is the site of the old Washburn
Medical college building.
The residence last, named will be
built in colonial style. the great
amount of veranda space being one
of the attractive features. 1t will be
a frame residence with concrete foun-
dation and basement. The colonial
idea will also be followed out in the
interior.
There is planned a 46 foot veranda
along the front of the building of
circular shape, which will be 16 feet
wide in the center and gradually tap
ering down to feet. This extensive
Veranda will add much to the COM
fort and attractiveness of the second
floor accommodations. On the south
side of the house will be a smaller
porch 9x16 with a sleeping porch
above it.
On the first floor the living room as
planned will be 1Sx3O feet and will
contain 7-foot colonial fireplace,
Then the dining room will also be
finished in mahogany and white en-
amel will be entered through tiled
vestibuIe. In harmony with the gem
eral effect there will be a colonial
staircase.
The arrangements in the kitchen,
buffers pantry and regular pantry
are to be unique, as every possible
convenience will be provided. In the
buffers pantry there will be cup
boards with glass doors, folding ia
bles, and copper silver sink. Adjoin-
ing the pantry is a separate refrigera-
tor room, the ice supply to be put in
from the outside.
On the second floor there will be
three sleeping apartments aside from
the servants room which will be pro-
vided with separate baths and ward
robes. At the front of the house a den
will be feature, which will he con-
nected with the spacious balcony by
easement windows
AS the rear stairs are planned they
the complete from basement to attic
with grade door entrance to the
basement. and by the way, in men
tioning the third floor it should be
mentioned that a large billiard room
finished in flemish oak will be ar
ranged and there will also be a spec
ial wardrobe for storing away cloth
ing.
The concerted basement will con-
tain laundry room, cold room and
other conveniences. The house is to
be heated by the new vapor system,
and the plumbing specifications in
d
Fletcher Lewis has been awarded the
contract for this house. and the work
of construction will commence i'm
mediately.
During the month of December and
the first two weeks in January, the
cold weather and the ice and snow
covered ground were not conducive
to a large volume of trade on the
part of the real estate men, although
there was not an unusual amount OF
complaint for the season of the year
For many of the merchants the
more favorable. For example, on ac-
count of the severe cold spells and the
general prosperity existing the money
maid out for the necessary and unnec-
essary articles of clothing was from
IN to 30 per cent greater than ever be-
fore in the history of the city
The real estate dealers are taking
GREAT interest in a compilation which
s.. b. Burge is making. Statistics
which he is gathering from twenty
cities in the United States will show
a comparison of prices prevailing.
These figures when completed will re-
veal the fact, according to the state
ment of Mr.. Burge, that the cheapest
price offered by any of these cities is
much greater than the price for
which similar property in Topeka is
sold. This factor of this compilation
will be published in this column at a
later date.
\ soyement which is on foot to or