Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-10-28
First Real Move to Re-
lieve Acute Hous-
ing Situation
Local Company Formed to Han
die Observation-Disclosures
N0n-Speculative-Local Con-
tractors, Local Labor and
Locally Purchased Materials
the Big Idea-Newlands to
be Site

For the purpose of assisting in the
solving of the housing situation in
Augusta, the organization Of the Au-
gusta Home Building Association has
just been completed and arrange
ments have been made for the build
ing of 10 Houses on 10 lots in New
lands, Riverside Drive, the work to
be commenced at once. The new cor
poration has contracted with Rradlee
&c Chatham Co. of Boston. consulting
engineers and housing experts. for the
will be of six rooms and thoroughly up
to date in every respect.
The Augusta Home Building Asso-
citation is capitalized at $4,000, of
which $4,000 in common stock and
$4,000 preferred Hon. Elmer +
Newbert Of Augusta is president OF
the corporation. and the other officer s
are: Vice president, Stephen J. Hcg-
arty; treasurer, Francis B. Purinton;
clerk and secretary Burleigh Martin;
directors, Walter s. Wyman, r. B. Pur-
linton, Charles F. Bilodeau, Stephen J..
+! Hegarty. F.. f. Newbert and Rurleigh
Martin. all of Augusta, and Charles
W. Bradlce of Boston.
President Miles S. Richmond Of the
Bradlee e Cha tman Co. is now in the
city starting the development and
making the arrangements for the IN
mediate construction of these houses.
In connection with this construction
it is interesting to note that the money
will largely he expended in this city
as it is the plan to employ labor here,
to sublet contracts here and to pur-
chase materials here. These houses
will be of different styles Of archtec-
ture and each of the six-room struc-
lures will have hardwood floors, fire.
places. verandas. steam heating ap-
paratus and modern plumbing. The
houses will be entirely modern and
we'll built
These houses are TO be in no sense
speculative. They are to be thorough
~ built for permanent occupancy by
Augusta families. 1t is the plan nf
the association. sell these houses to
families during completion or after
completion on easy terms-a reason
ooAC oihoui~ ~ SdSi at 'iic liluc VI Dur-
chase and the remainder in ronthlv
llments. The association will f.
nance the houses in the city and will
probably ask subscriptions from citi-
zens of about $4,000 in 7 per cent.
preferred stock. The Central Maine
Power Co. and the Augusta Water Dis
trict are ready to cooperate in every
way to assist in the development. and
the city will be asked to cooperate IN
the way OF acceptances Of streets in
Newlands. sewer constructions. troet
lights. etc.
This enterprise promises a boom to
Augusta building. Mr.. Newbert, pres
ident of the association. pointed out
that this is not venture for profit or
the part OF the association. but is Il
disinterested effort on the part Of the
promoters to start housebuilding IN
Augusta where the housing situation
is so acute.
The Bradlee & chatham Co. Of Bos-
ton IL we'll known firm in the con-
struction field and has only recently
finished the construction Of Is houses
at SANFORD for the Sanford mi;is at A
cost Of about 100000. 1t is also car
rying on construction at Portland and
ether Maine cities.