The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-01
CONSTRUCTION . IN BIRMINGHAM
 LEADING SOUTH
Operations Unchecked AL though National Trend
 Is Downward
SPENCER PREDICTS
 $16,O0O,OOO YEAR
Figures To Date Only $4,0O0,OOO Short Of
 1923 Total

Birmingham in all probability has eclipsed all other southern cities in the volume and value of new building pro. jeets begun during the first five months of 1924, according to Claude Kendrick chief clerk in the city building inspec, tion department.
 While the curve of building activity throughout the country is now tending downward, operations in Birmingham continue unchecked, with moderate priced residences predominating.
 The books for the month of May, just closed, disclose another impressive rec ord. Operations valued at more than $1 1,548,00O were put under way during the 30-day period.
 Plans filed with the building office since January 1 call for new construc. tion, including additions and alterations to old buildings, to cost in excess of $6, 300 900, or an average for each month of $1,3O0OO0. This grand total represents the highest peak of con- tracts ever recorded during five-month period in Birmingham's building annals
 Ahead Of 1923
 Comparison with the building totals for the first five months of 1923 reveals the phenomenal advance in building activity for the current year. Although 1923 was a record year, this years tota already exceeds the first five months O1 1923 by almost $2,O0O,000, and tht momentum of the building spurt shows no signs of slowing down. Leading builders say the grand total of con struction for the year may pass tht 6,0O0O00 mark.
 Inspector J. E. Spencer believes thu totals for the first six months vii easily reach $S.000, ,000-only $4,O00,00 short of the totals for the full 12 months of 1923.
 Inspector Spencer predicts that il residential construction continues at the present rate, provision will be made for at least 3,600 families by the end of the year. In May plans were filed and contracts awarded for a total of SIS new homes. This was far in ex- cess of the record for the corresponding period a year ago, and Spencer and his assistants are firmly convinced that Birmingham now is in the midst of its greatest home building year. as well as it's record year for construction of build ings of all other descriptions.
 The trend of house construction this year is in favor of the cottage and two family types of houses. Last year th' preference was for large houses.
 The records disclose that many high priced homes also are being erected this year. In the past few weeks permits have been issued for the construction of at least dozen homes that will cost anywhere from $15,000 to $4O,O GOO each
 The apartment house situation in the city will be greatly relieved with, the early completion of several of the larg- est structures of this type in the south Included in this number is the Alta mont, one of the most pretentious apart ments south of Philadelphia. It IS by far the largest in the southern states.
 The present building activity in Bir' mingham does not lose in impressive ness when compared with that of At lanta, Memphis, New Orleans. Louis vile and other large cities. lnforma' ton received at building headquarters in the city hall shows that Birmingham now is setting the pace for the entire south, and no member of Inspector Spencer's staff is willing to concede that any other city stands chance to outdistance the Magic City during the remaining seven months of 1924.