The Washington times., 1924-01-17
Washington's Wonderful Build
ing Record in 1923
By BILL PRICE.

In 1923 Washington stood seventh among American cities
building operations the year having been the greatest
building activities in the nations history
Washgtons total operations for the year were
and the cities which topped us were New York Chicago Los
Angeles Detroit Philadelphia Cleveland Our building op
eaons greater than those Of San Francisco Baltimore
St Louis, Boston, Pittsburgh and other large cities
1922 BY more than The total number opera
ons for 1923 811 against S16 in 1922 indicating
large gain in home construction ,,o
Building permits the number Of 473 granted in
December the last month of the year. with the value Of the
operations $S27oSo indicating that building activities
continuing through the winter and will continue during
the coming year. In December 1922 the permits issued
l81 and the value of the permits $2,S42555
The building figures of Of the six cities which stand
ahead Of Washington in 1928 include public improvements
such municipal buildings Washingtons figures those
Of private operations only The Federal did
spend dollar here in new buildings during the year Neither
did the District government
Washington the twelfth largest city in the country stands
seventh in building operations clearly showing that our build
Ing and citizens wdeawake the
nificent future of this Federal City
In the coming years building operations will be added
to by activities Of the Federal Government high officials Of
which committed to building program covering num-
Der Of years. the total cost Of which will be not less than
$50000 The Federal Government has not kept pace with
the live thought Of the building industry generally Many
housed in rented buildings and ramshacy affairs
that are disgrace and untitled for modern USE The Gov
ness not to speak of impaired efficiency.
That there will be let up in private building operations
here indicated all sides will increase by leaps and
bounds should Congress do the right thing at the present
session in making necessary appropriations for street exten
siOns and There thousands of Of
suburban lots who stand ready to build homes
water and extensions assured.
The policy of Congress In this direction has been decided
handicap in the last few years. In the year just closed Ph
depha for instance opened twenty-five miles Of
In suburban sections covering total Of 25O blocks. That
city Of is controlled by its citizens and for
years past the policy Of Philadelphia has been of
couragement to construction Of dwelling houses.
In letter to this writer, former Mayor HAMPTON
MOORE, of Philadelphia wrote that there 100000
dwelling houses in Philadelphia of which number twothirds
of the twostory onefay type That's why Philadel
phia calls itself "the city Of homes
New streets opened in Philadelphia at the of the
municipality Here the cost put upon the property
Senator PEPPER Of Pennsylvania has out for a
greater and beautiful Washington through Govern
mental action Many other prominent members Of Congress
joining in this movement which has the backing of
powerful civic organizations, national and local.
The coming years present most optimistic outlook for
Washington Our people inspired by the determination
Of powerful to back the movement for a grander
National City.
National organizations by the making their
national headquarters here and weodo citizens from all
parts of the country buying homes and real estate be-
Washington is mmeasuably the most attractive city
in the world the best city in which to get the good there is
TO be had out Of Efe
With every Washngonan animated by this knowledge it
wonder that have taken most conspicuous position
In building activities that inspired to forward
with renewed vgor and hope.