Evening star., 1911-10-21

4 phas. of the market which is attract
ing much attention at tins time Is the
activity in building houses. While during
the past season there have been 1e"ef
apartment houses erected than was the
case during the previous season. yet the
figures show but slight diminutlon IN the
number of dwellings constructed Inc
mere keeping up to the record OF the pre-
ceding building season means so much
more this year than usual because l9lo
was the banner year in bis respect
Since July l. which Was the close or
the last fiscal year, there has been no
material change in building records. be-
cause the issuance of permits for houses
has continued to be the principal fea-
ture of building activity as it is recorded
in the office of the building inspector.
The conclusion drawn from the conditions
as shown by figures of the building IN
spector is that the supply of apartment
houses is sufficient for the present al
least This does not mean that no more
of these structures are gong up lot
such is not the case but only that the
new enterprises are not as numerous as
was once the case.
Apartments Share the Field.
The apartment house now shares with
the individual house in providing homes
for the people A few years ago the lat
ter had the field alone. unless 1t might
be considered that the boarding house
formerly filled somewhat the same need
as is now met by the apartment mousse
In housing as well as in ether needs of
human life. the newly invented 1aclil-
ties. instead of supplantinS the old, seem
rather to supplement the old. which con-
tinue in use, if the need was so great
that no aid could be spared.
1t is quite evident in this city that the
house has not been set aside by the
apartment house What is perhaps more
important-home ownersh1p-is lncreaS-
ing For it is to meet the demand from
those who want to buy homes that houses
are being built in such large numbers.
Row after row of houses have been built
within the original limits of the city and
in the newer outlying sections. Ihese
houses are built TO sell, ana as last as
new ones go up purchasers are found for
them.
Following the Fashion.
live in rather then TO rent it. Unlike
most fashions, this one has business
sense behind it,
At the same time 1t may be regarded
as surprising that people so generally
should have adopted this custom, sensl-
BILE and praiseworthy though it may be.
But there is explanation. The way
To become a home owner in Washington
is made so simple and inviting that even
the most timid and uncertain are able
TO take il. In the first place the houses
are built and arranged so as to suit the
needs of living in this city. They are
supplied to "a degree that seems re-
markable to those who see them for
the first time, not only with the con-
veniences. but even the luNurieS of living.
These attractive homes can be bought
on terms that suit practically every
financial condition. The amount Of the
first cash payment is not large unless the
purchaser is able to make it The bal
ance is arranged in easy terms, so that
in the course of a few years the entire
amount is paid In this way houses with
such a wide range of values as $3.50 to
SIS, 900 sold in such numbers that the
appearance of the city, especially in the