Evening star., 1934-08-11
BY JAMES A. MoFFETr,

(copyright 1884 By the Associated Press)
I wish to emphasize the Federal
Housing Administrator moderniza-
ton program is intended to apply just
as much to business structures Of all
types as to private dwellings.
There are many reasons why the
owners of store buildings. garages,
warehouses. factories. theaters and
apartment houses should invest money
at this time in needed repairs and
improvements. Keeping property in
first-class condition makes for In
creased economy efficiency, safety,
sanitation and reduced maintenance
charges. And all Of these have q d.
rect bearing on income, profits and
property values.
I believe / am safe in saying that
Just a little checking up on the aver
age business structure win uncover
many places where repairs may be
made or improvements introduced
that would yield splendid returns on
the money invested in such altera-
tions The modernization of a store
front should increase the merchants
business. The liberal use of paint
outside and within the premises will
In many instances have the same ef-
feet. If 1t Is true that an attractive
store has an advantage over an un-
attractive one, then money can be
spent in beautifying and undermining
places Of this kind to very good ad-
vantage.
Lessees May Borrow.
AS an indication Of our interest in
the undermining Of store buildings,
one Of the qualifications for loan in
surance by the Federal Housing Ad-
ministration sets forth that notes
may be signed by lessees. other than
those which may be classed as own
ers, provided that the lease requires
the lessee to make alterations, repairs
and improvements. And provided,
further, that the final termination
date of the lease is at least six months
beyond the final maturity of the note.
In such cases certified copy of the
lease must be furnished to the finan-
cial institution at the time the note
Is purchased and must be retained by
of the transaction"
In the operation of all types of
commercial structures. economy is
equipment developing power, light,
heat and ventilation.
1t is not difficult to imagine that
there are countless business buildings
in this country today that are sus-
ceptible to some undermining or re-
pairing in the interests Of greater
economy. And economy In such cases
means increased earnings.
In many cases, too, the moderniz-
ing of buildings means changing them
to different type Of structure that
will cause enhancement of rents
For example, warehouse might with
comparatively small expense be con-
Verted into profitable garage.
Apartments on the first floor might
be changed to stores with higher
rental values. Owners of structures
that are not profitable would do well
to consider with the aid of a building
contractor or architect or realtor sug-
gestions and ideas for putting the
building in the profit-making class.
Factory buildings offer a splendid
field for profitable modernization
work. Many Of them are susceptible
to alterations that will give the work.
ers better light. ventilation. sanitary
conditions and safety. Consideration
of these factors should increase eff
cheney and comfort of workers.
A liberal use of paint on the out
side will add to the beauty Of the
plant, while the same treatment ap-
piled to work rooms will mean more
cheerful and inviting surroundings for
the workers.
Factory Homes Cited.
Many industrial concerns have built
homes for their workers and in re-
cent years these dwellings have been
allowed to deteriorate. Here Is a
fruitful field for modernization. To
fix up these homes, making them
more attractive, comfortable and
sanitary, would not only add greatly
to- the morale of the workers but
such investments would decrease
maintenance costs by arresting the
processes Of obSolescence.
We hope our program will prove
not only helpful to home owners,
but will induce owners of all kinds
Of business properties to make a
careful check-up to see If repairs,
alterations and improvements cannot
be made in the interest of economy
and efficiency. If they will do this
there viii be no doubt as to the sue
cess of our efforts with its conse-
quent wholesome effect on the general
business conditions of the country.
We are asking the home owners of
the country to join in this moderniza-
ton program. We are equally desir-
Gus that the owners of business prop
critics do what they can to give i'm
petus to the movement by inaugu-
rating well advised improvements and