Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-02

a time, but which
will inevitably burst through all
obstacles. Population growth, building
obsolescence, fire losses and other factors
cause this.
So when an experienced builder is
confronted with figures which show a
downward trend in this industry for
over two years, something which has
not happened in more than a decade
he feels that a turn cannot be fal
away. And there are such definite
signs Of approaching improvement as
current inquiry for new building under
takings coming from the largest and
most responsible interests.
New York Area.
Of my own knowledge, in the New
York metropolitan area alone, this in
quiry represents total of $4,000, 900
to $75000,00 These projects may
come to a head very soon, marking the
start of revival in the building in
dustry; then, again, they may drag
along for time. But when they do
begin to break that will mean better
times ahead for everybody, because the
building business is Americas largest
industry, whose operations affect all
parts of national life.
Two years ago new construction ac-
tivities reached national total exceed
ing $8,500, 600, 900, and even in the
present depression it is officially an
nounced that for the period ending
October II, non-residential building
amounted to 81, 729, 235, 400, public works
and utilities $l.267 .o57 400 and residen-
tial building 5000, 100, 800. Although
the totals represent decline Of nearly
80 per cent, the decrease being greatest
in residential building, we are still
dealing with enormous totals.
AS regards the human aspects of the
building industry, 40 or so trades are
employed in the erection of large struc-
lures. The totals of these trades repre-
sent millions of workers, for In spite
Of the naturalization of industry gen.
orally the building trade is still very
largely craftsman proposition, direct
labor accounting for perhaps IS per
cent of all new structures.
AS an example of what the human
factor means in this industry, 1000
workers have been employed at one
time by the firm with which am
connected In the erection of the new
Empire State Building in New York
City. In the course of its erection
more than 10000 workers will have
contributed directly toward its creation
New Building.
have said that the present large
number of inquiries for new structures
Is coming from the most responsible
quarters. mean by this that new
building undertakings are being con-
sidered by those interests whose under
takings are always governed by the best
advised considerations; their studies
show that we have entered a period
whea all factors entering in the erec-
ton of large structures favor a success
full operation. These factors are plain
to any one who will stop to look over
the building field. can summarize
them briefly in this way:
/. The lowest material prices in 10
years.
2. Abundance of efficient labor.
8. Money cheap and seeking sound
investment.
4. Ample time for preliminary study
and development
5. Quick delivery of building supplies.
6. Accumulated demand for new
structures
Not in a long time has the situation
been so encouraging for sound building
operations.
What is holding back the stream of
new construction? In the first place
the figures quoted little way back
show that the stream has been only
partially damned that we are still do
ing a great deal of building, but the
trend of the industry is not what it
should be, might be, or will be, If cold
facts mean anything. Why the hesita-
ton of those I have termed the re-
sponsible and well advised? I suppose
it is largely because industrial morale
in general is still suffering from a Sc
we're shock and people are just a. little
heSitant yet at making new moves.
When you have been travelling happily
on the heights and then find yourself
cast into depression, you are not imme-
diately able to respond to the signifl-
canoe Of favorable facts and figures.
Importance of Building.
I referred to the recovery of the
building industry as being the signal for
a general improvement in all business
because the ramifications of the build
ing business extend throughout the in
dustrial structure. Few will dispute this
assertion. But I should like to make
further observations concerning the
role construction activity might well
play In the development OF the United
States.
1t is now pretty generally recognized
that the development of the motor car,
placing the United States on wheels,
was largely the key to the prosperity
of the last 10 to 20 years. To be able
to go anywhere at any time, to have
individual transportation, to have 25
so or 100 horsepower Immediately under
the control of single steering wheel,
was a highly energizing experience.
New vistas were opened. new possibili-
ties of living were offered, and every
one set to work more or less to realize
the promise.
Now that is behind us; that Is, 1t
has been mastered and appropriated as
a permanent part of our way of living.
Is there any other new conception in
sight to offer the same challenge to the
imagination and the same opportunity
for hroad-scale activity? I am not sure
but what we need to look no further
than the field of new construction to
find this opportunity and promise.
Is 1t not a fact that the cities, where
most of us live and do our work. are
on the whole wretchedly equipped for
happy and successful existence? Some
times I wonder If the shortcomings of
the cities have not been the cause of
the motor car, that we have needed
some means of quick and easy escape
from the trying influence of city life, |