Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-07-24
WASHINGTON DUE
FOR BIC EXPANSION
S5o,00O,OO0 Expenditure on
Public Buildings Cited by
Realty Leader.
BY NORTON j. LUCHS.

Recent newspaper publicity pertain
ing TO the extensive improvements
which will eventually affect all parts
OF Washington's governmental and
municipal buildings, parkWayS, recrea-
ton parks, Fairgrounds, bouleVards,
botanic gardens, etc, has started
train of thought in my mind that |
feel should benefit the citizens of
Washington.
There is probably no one thing in
the history of any city that has def
nitely more to do with its progress
than has new building and construc-
tion enterprises. To start with, it de-
termines the progressive qualities of
that city, When buildings are erected
and all projects carried out, such as
are to be carried out in Washington,
there is no question in my mind that
Washington one year or thousand
years from today will always be a
criterion of beautiful architecture and
model planning and execution.
Huge Sum to BE Spent.
Approximately $500, 00O, 900 will be
spent on Washington's governmental
Improvement program within the next
10 years, according to present esti-
mates and subject to enactment of all
proposed features of the present pro-
gram, which includes the following
items and their present estimated cost:
Public buildings program, $50,000.'
900; this money to be expended over
a period of five years in allotments of
$4,000, 900 yearly.
Capitol Plaza Improvement -. So 100 900
Arlington Memorial Bridge. -. l4.150.00Q
Parks and Fairgrounds. 1900. 1920, goo
Mount Vernon boulevard 1900 ,o009
White House repairs. ....... 450,U0o
National Gallery of Art. ,..... 1920 600
ArpoeLum $500. .-.'.-a'- Aoo.ooo
The tremendous effect of this activ-
ity TO take place in Washington will
be Of a thoroughly constructive ma
ture.
The paramount value will be to peo-
pie it will attract TO Washington-a
group of skilled workmen, who are
always the underpinning of a success
fui metropolis. Ambitious, courageous
and trained, the skilled workingman is
q tremendous advantage to any city.
AT the rate Of $l0,000,000 a year, it is
estimated that approximately 1000 ad-
ditional people will be employed con-
tinuously in the expenditure of this
$10,000,000 yearly allotment.
Must Provide Housing.
These people must first of all have
places to live. Immediately we see an
opportunity for advance in home con-
struction in Washington. There will
also be a great financial surplus in
Washington during this time. Money
formerly spent in other cities will be
concentrated in Washington, since Ia
Dor and residence demand these ex-
penditures. The mercantile trade will
enjoy a very large and extensive de-
velopment.
This healthy imitation of the build
ing industry in Washington will also
bring about a stimulated manufacture
of building materials and viii concen-
trate in Washington increased manu-
featuring industry that will give en-
ployment to hundreds of people, Never
in the history of this country, or in
the history of the world, have SO many
tremendous building projects been
planned as are now under develop
ment. in Washington City.
There will be no accidents in con-
struction Everything has been care
fully designed, and locations have been
determined only after careful study
and consideration. The new govern
mental enterprise will do away with
many unsightly districts in the Capt.
tai City and will substitute in their
places beautiful handicapped areas.
look forward to a condition within the
next 10 years in Washington that will
not only make Washington the most
beautiful city in the world, but one of
the most desirable to live in from an
ioaI CT nd int