Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1927-11-13

ing program, with the indication that
there can be no cessation during the
coming year. Every Valley school
district shows a large increase in the
number Of scholastlcs, according 70
the reports filed with the county
superintendent. Several districts
that erected new buildings in 1924 or
1925 were either required TO continue
next year. School officials assert
that practically every large district
that did not build the past year will
be forced to provide additional IA
ciiities next year TO take care of
the rapidly increasing population
throughout the entire Valley.
The erection of new schools has
not been confined TO the urban cep-
tiers. Several of the consolidated ru-
raj districts have erected new build
ings and are making provisions for
extensions. Several ~teacherages have
also been erected in both rural and
urban districts.
The erection Of new churches has
kept pace with other building de-
velopments in the Valley. Browns
vile with four large churches con-
structed leads all Valley cities in this
respect, and Harrington and Edinburg
rank second and third. Large struc-
lures have also been erected by the
various denominations at San Be-
nito, La Feria, Mercedes, Weslaco,
Pharr, McAllen and Mission.
Enters Skyscrapers Era
Valley cities entered the sky
scraper era this year with the com
pletion at Brownsville of Hotel FL
Jardin and the Baxter building at
Harrington, one eight, the other nine
stories in height. Work il now IN
derway on a ten-story hotel build
ing al McAllen. The tall structures.
together with six four and five-story
buildings, give Harrington and
Brownsville a distinctly metropolitan
skyline.
One 81 the features Of the building
activities Of the past two years has
been the almost uniform adaptation
Of artistic beauty Of the highest de-
gree. Practically all Of the business
structures. schools. churches and
many of the residences show archi-
%tectural work Of the highest char
acter. indicating that the Valley is
building for beauty and convenience
as well as permanency. Spanish de-
signs. and notifications Of that style
Of architecture predominant. Many
Of the new structures are Of surpass-
ing beauty, and the adaptnbility Of
the Spanish style 10 the climatic com
ditions obtaining in the Lower Rio
Grande Valley has been abundantly
proved. according TO architects and
builders. practically all Of whom are
urging the adaptation OF this design
in either commercial or residential
construction. The high arches and
ceilings. numerous windows and ex-
cellent ventilation provided by the
Spanish style Of architecture makes
IL specially suited for this climate,
they assert, and the broad verandas
and patios Of the residences add
beauty, charm and convenience.
The English style, which has also
been adopted By a number OF home
builders is a decided contrast 70 the
Spanish. but il also has many adj
vantares which adapt IL to the Val
lev climate, builders state. Several
~ the NEST beautiful homes erected
in the Valley this year are Of the
design. structures which are
not only distinctive and beautiful,
but which combine with their archi-
t%ectural charm a convenience Of ar
rangement unsurpassed.
Definite Figures Not Available
Definite figures on building &C.
Invites throughout the Valley are
not o~btainable. Few Of the cities
towns required the issuance of
building permits prior 10 1927. and
the value Of prior building is largely
a matter of approximation. Also in
the rural sections. where no permits
were required and where building
operations have been extensive. only
estimates Of builders and contractors
are available. However, from this
mass az data the totals derived are
accurate, and reflect the won
progress OF the Valley a. well
Us the intensity Of building activities.
Permits issued since the first of
August indicate that building artiv-
tiles. which for several months had
largely devoted 70 business
structures. are now centering in resi-
construction. Many business
buildings are being erected and 9TH
ers will soon be under construction,
but the building Of homes. both .ur-
ban and rural, is proceeding at a
pace unparalleled in this part Of the
Several Valley cities have
been compelled 70 extend the city
20 include subdivisions de-
handing city facilities. and several
other cities are planning similar ex-
tensions. In all parts o. the Valley
building on the various subdivisions
X making rapid progress. but even
scceleration 81 building activ-
Continued on page eleyen.a