The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-02
UNCLE SAM SHOWS
SKILL AS A BUILDER
Model Homes for Workers Put Up by
Him at Perryville Cost From
$1,000 to $1,000 Each

scarcity of homes for workmen in this
district would necessitate the provision
of industrial housing as part Of the
plant Mr.. MacNeille was called upon
to report on this phase of the develop
ment, and Mann Il MacNei!le archi-
tects and constructing engineers, OF. )
East Forty-ffth street. were asked to
lay out the new town and to design the
various types Of buildings necessary for
the maintenance of community life.
The site selected, on the bank Of the
Susquehanna, Is generally level pla-
teau averaging fifteen feet above the
river. 1t is bounded on the north by a
heavy growth of trees, effectually
screening the town from the factory.
Its advantages were actual proximity
TO the plant with effective separation
from II and protection from the noise
and smoke: good elevation above high
water 'level; natural surface drainage !;
good water supply and accessibility by
railroad and turnpike to the main town
OF Perryville. Its topography and nat
ural scenic features render IL a pic
turesq0e and eminently fitted location
for home development
The general street layout has IT'S
main avenues running parallel TO the
river in order that the cross streets may
open UP vlstas and act as air channels
direct to the water. The property is
naturally divided into two sections by
a wooded ravine which offers a natural
site for a central parking place. Here
and an outlook over the park to the
river
River Front Used for Park.
Adding to the picturesque beauty OF
his spot is the old Manse, a home OF
ante-bellum days which has been re-
modelled and Is now used by the general
manager of the Atlas plant
The entire river front, as we'll as
property adjoining the main entrance TO
the town, has been reserved and laid out
in parks for public use. In the park at
the main entrance a recreation ground
is planned.
The westerly section OF the property,
lying between the railroad and the CEN
trail park. is the first half OF the de-
velopment. now completely built. and
contains in all 1877 homes for married
men. In boarding houses. located on the
northerly side of the property and ada
cent to the plant and restaurant, the
single men are comfortably housed. and
quarters are provided in each building
for oaretakers and their families.
In this section OF the development
there are two natural convergences of
streets, one on the northerly side, known
as the Plaza. the other at the park on
the river. Around the Plaza are Souped
the stores. motion picture theatres and
church. forming community centre.
The fire house Is advantageously placed
near this point Overlooking the park
and river is the community clubhouse.
The section OF the development east Of
the central park contains approximately
200 houses on which construction has
been started. In this section two addi-
tionaI churches are to be built
In the location and design of homes
due attention has been paid to the
aesthetic as we'll as the physical welfare
OF those who are TO occupy them. Every
house fronts on wide. tree shaded
street and building plots are at least
50xl0o feet. giving ample space for
cowttrusd on seoomd Pa0a