Evening Star Newspaper, April 25, 1925, Page 13

REAL ESTATE. NORWAY HOUSING CRISIS HANDLED WITH SUCCESS Congestion Since War Brings Extreme Rents and Other Evils—Results Give Hint to U. S. BY W. R. MESSENGER. The upheavals occurring in various parts of Europe have left largely un- heeded some of the peaceful revolu- tions in thought and government, in living and social relatfonships which are taking place in others. During ' my recent tour of Europe, investigating the ascertain in which differs from our own, pictures presented themselves mast forcibly From this viewpoint, at least, Norway seems to be most’ in- teresting. 1 visited Oslo, formerly Christiania. to study’ briefly ergetic housing progress and novel methods, and their adaptability for our use here in the United States. We would hardly expect to find a hous problem in Oslo, with its ponulation only a little over a quarter million. its broad streets and spacious res, numerous suburbs, radiating nsit service, and mainly native population particulars it several vivid Effect of Industrialism. In fact, prior to 1910, there was little attention given the housing sub- ject, and some years prior to that vacancies in apartments ran as high 10 per cent. But the growing in- dustrialization in Norway increased he population of Oslo. Thus even efore the war practically no vacan- ies existed. Then during the war ation from Norw decreased, the country was prosperous. ras also some influx of popu lation; some French immigrants and also some refugees from Germany and Russia. Not only were there no vacancies but as a result of war conditions ousing problem, to | its en-| | | | | | and English | ahout five per cent of the population | of the city had no individual homes, and congestion among the poor was cute. One would scarcely expect to nd tuberculosis in a country as healthful as Norway, 40 per cent of its | ar | open squares | clation with less than | population urban | and only five towns with populations | of over 25,000 having populations of over The housing problem from this abnormal post-war conges ion was quickly recognized. In Oslo the health committee tive surveys. They reported that only 18 per cent of accommodations fo tubercular patients were deemed suitable. Take Steps to Find Remedy. taken to The Anti- 10,000. Energetic steps were remedy this condition. Tuberculosis Assoclation receives a subsidy from the state. In addition the Norweglan government has five sanatoria, including a convalescent hospital near Fredriksvarn on the eastern side of Christiania Fjord. Oslo, in turn, was quick to act Even proposals for house rationing were presented to the town council However, the need was for more and better accommodations and the city acted accordingly toward that end. The Norwegians are a practical people. The city proceeded by two methods One was the plan by which the city itself constructed accommodations Brick ind with only 18 LOWDS | ment commission proposed a tax on resulting | made exhaus- | construction — with which were chiefly three-and-four- room apartments, of a standard not much above'the requirements of the common workman, but with garden, playgrounds, sunshine and alr. These e so designed that later two small sultes can be combined for use as one larger suite after the perfod of abnormal congestion has passed. The other method has been by means of subsidies to private builders in the form of loans without interest and also by guarantees of private loans. These privately constructed accommodations have been of a high- er standard. As a result of the adoption of these policies, the city has paid out ward of 200.000,000 kroner toward the improvement of housing condi- tions since the development of the acute situation following the war. Build Garden Suburbs. The new houses and apartment groups built by the city are for the most part_garden suburbs, including those at Ullevaal, Toien, Taasen and Hoffebyn, and somee semi-suburban locations, such as the Lindernkom- pleks. Also where vacant land hasbeen available in the industrial centers homes have been provided there, such as at Thorshov, Aasen and Jessenlok- ken. The helght of nearly all the rtment buildings, especially in the city proper, has been restricted to three stories, designed around large, laid out in parks or gardens or playgrounds. A great variety of agencies—state, municipal and quasi-public—were cre- | ated to meet this situation. The Asso- of Housing Reforms was founded in 1915, supported by the state, munieipalities and individuals, and in turn were instrumental in founding the Town Planning Socfety, Association of Co-operative Building cieties, the National Housing Coun- cil and the permanent building mate- rial methods committee. Rent laws were enacted. In 1921 the govern- increased rents. There also exists a law which can compel manufacturers to build homes for work people if they employ them in excess of the housing accommodations avaiable. Director Studied in U. S The work has betn administered | by a building council and a building director, himself an architect, who, prior to the war, studied and taught for several years in the United States. This popular adoption of new hous- ing ideas is an important considera- tion for one to bear in mind when study housing progress in most old- world countries. We can hard appreciate the extent to which they cherish the architecture and tradi- tions of the past—and sometimes the plumbing, too. Thus at Oslo, not far from the national museum, containing domestic and industrial exhibits from various provinces, there are several res_devoted to a collection of old Norwegian buildings brought from all parts of the country and re-erected. (Continued on Fifteenth Page.) six rooms and tiled bath ; open fireplace ; tiled floor porch; hardwood floors laundry tubs and 0x150. throughout; water heat Corner lot construction—of tionally attractive rooms and bath; hardwood floors; Stucco open range and laundry tubs. hot- double garage. ap- | THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. (!, SATURDAY, APRIL 25 1925. HOUSE PLANS FOR HOME PLANNERS A Duplex Plan for Studio or Wee Hom: Ideal Design for a Family or Two; Attractive, Conven- ient and Amazingly Economical. Now that simple living is more to be commended than ever before in American history, hundreds of people are willing to live in small housesand do thelr own work. Intensified house- keeping is an art which is easily learned. The secret s not to have any more things around than are abso- {lutely necessary. Everything 'nust i have ite place in convenient arrange- ment_with whatever cbjects are asso- ciated with- it in the work it has to do. The mere arrangement of tools in sys. tematic order makes work easy. | This little studio or country home, while very small indced. has been | worked out to the utmost degree of efficiency so far as the basis for sva- { tematic housework is concerned. It is i built on the duplex plan. The bed- {room and bath are directly over the dining room and Kitchenette. thus not only leaving an especially high cell ing for the living room or studio but centering the plumbing, as we try to do in all designs. It galns its cnarm through the roof- line. Those who know about buflding know how hard it is to make an exte- {rior of any charm whatsoever for as small a space as this house is. We | bave assumed the cost to be the low, | possible fizvre; therefore, we have | suggested clapboards, although this design would be very attractive worked out in stucco. The stalrway |leading up to the bedroom and bath gives an opportunity for a pictur- | esque balcony looking down into the |living room. The fireplace is 8o situ- ated that it can be enjoyed from the studio. There is a place in the bay window for a dining table, and this is conven- fently close to the kitchen. The dresser at the end of the dining nook holds the dishes required for the table and they can be put away easily. since it is but a step from the kitchen sink. There is a_closet near the stove for the kitchen dishes. The table beneath tte window in the kitchen could also serve as a break fast table if there were no guests There is room in the living room for lan extra couch to accommodate week | end guests 1t the porch were extended all along one side of the house it could be used as an outdoor sitting room and add greatly to the comfort. This little house surely complies with the demand for economy, vet is attractive and livable in every way The stairway going directly up from the living room could be made a very attractive feature, and the shelves near the fireplace for books and maga- zines are indicative of real comfort. If a little additional money could be spent and a thatched roof be used with the vari-colored shingles, this house would become a little gem. Theneadd vines and blooming plants all around the house and a splendid garden— which alone adds a note of distinctior —and vou will have a home that is out of the ordinary and individual. any suspicion of cheapness. An arch Semi - Bungalow and rooms A garden redeems any house from | A picturesque and comfortable interior, an individual and artistic exterior—so simple you can almost build it with- | out help—a place for color and happiness and work—a suggestion for your studio or country “cabin,” or year-round | house in town if you are only two. supporting a rose or any other climb- | every way; therefore, just the trees ing vine, a bird bath, sundial or bit of lattice does wonders in creating beauty. A place that is loved enough to be surrounded with a garden al- ways seems more like a home than one without such a mark of affection A little house with a well-cared-for garden is often more winning than a jovely house without an such adorn- ment The house is 26% feet wide by 31 feet deep, so a long row lot shoul be chosen. It is unpretentieus in type — seven tiled bath; sleeping porch; open fireplace; hot-water heat; hardwood floors and artistic electric fixture ) garage. 1V and shrubs native to should be used. the stones scattered lead up to the porch and around the{that ye house, and the furniture of the simplest It seems as though this little house exterior rior should by witk. its charming most attractive . inter | with the low cost should make it the ! hundreds are looking A flagged walk with | localities of its production home for STUNO TR | Since the prices the along should |an estin: of the inte- | who can give y and its r, combined | pi of amped and to Real Estate Editor, . George Ma which Spanish-type Home, on attractive corner lot; six rooms and bath; breakfast room; beautiful floors; open fireplace: mirror hall door; very effective fixtures: Jaundry tubs in basement; floored attic. Located on a corner lot. of material country | 1abor vary:sb- materfally in different we do not attempt to give | te as to cost, but suggest | u consult your local builder, | »u detailed information | to the costs of your exact needs to | be installed dn this design. For informa- | tion as to the procuring of the building this design. No. self-addressed envelope | 26, e Star. and send hew Adams) REAL ESTATE: 13 ARCHITECTS OFFER /ID TO CHECK U. S. WASTE Join Engineering Council in Urging Changes in Proposed Reorgjmization of Interior Architecture and the building in-| dustry, are allied with .the American | Engineering Council in its efforts to eliminate waste in the administration of the United States Government by reorganizing the Department of the “Uncle Sam's waste Interior, basket.” called The public works functions of the Government, embracing constantly ex- panding construction activity, are so vast that their centralization in a sin gle department under engineering con- trol is regarded as essentlal to econ omy and efficiency Engineers, will_support pending in Congress. architects and builders the Jones-Wyant This proposes sharp changes in ernment reorganization bill as it af-| Department The American Engineering Council asks that an assistant secretaryship of fects the Interior Departnliem. S ! partments n construction say, the 80 Unquesfionably sentative #idam M ment isspied through work is, serted the in whic') so gr and ce'gts can be effected lic dorpain.” sercrgtary of public works assicpant secretary for public by lan | SXgcution of public Plan | pepjods of industrial measure |y Jemployment, the Gov works ige made for that purpose secretary of public archi vision over the supervising depression and to cause advance lgng-range plans and arrangements to or competition of the six or seven de. v engaged in engineering the engineers rce of extensive waste. Repre. Wyant in a state- council, “there afe no Government activities savings in dollars as which goncern public works and pub- those Onef of the duties of the assistant and the archi | tectgre, according to the plan devised Khe ‘council, will be to expedite the during and It is purposed to give the assistant ture su er- archi- public architecture be created, thisf|tect s office. now in the Treasury De amendment American Institute of partments. being favored ‘Architect which insists on greater recognition the. profession of architecture in afny scheme to reform the executive /de-| by thy partment; Architect and War Buildings. of the Capitol, office of ‘public buildings and grounds and superintendent of the State, Navy The whole question of Government | reorganization will be discussed at a An asssitant secretary for p/iblic | meeting of the administrative board of construction 1s also provided for in|the council to be held in Philadelphia the engineering plan ed by public works and an ass tary of the public domain, loth within | the Department of the Ig.terfor, are | contemplated in the Government re-| organization measure. Enormous savings to can be brought about, lr{ such as it proposes. —_— | engineering council, by fh, Both of / these assistant secretaries are to be aipoint- the President, and each i be specially qualified by trairéng and | experience for the particular /services over which he is to have jw/fisdiction At present an assistant segretary of | he taxpaver sording to the eorganization of the country will attend shall | int secre- | (o ter private business. Massachusetts ' Park | May 8 and 9. Engineers from all parts Keiser Quits License Body. Edwin T. Keiser, vice president of National Association of R tate License Law Officials, for the past four vears real estate commissio Caiifornia, has resigned the office It is unofficial lv given out that Mr. Keiser will be connected with a Chicago corporatior e duplication | handling California lands. al Es Washingfon's most beautiful residential section of detached homes. {{ with six miles of improved streets. The Triangle of Increasing Values Coutaining seven million feet of forest-covered land, Includes what remains of —between Connecticut, Massachusetts and Cathedral avenues. Over 200 homes from $15,000 to $200,000 built and under con- struction) $8,000,000. Offers the Most Attractive Home Features of any Suburb of the National Capital Admirably located — midway be- tween Hyattsville and the Maryland State University—on the Washington and Baltimore Boulevard—not a half- hour from the heart of Washington by motor, trolley or bus. streets, already excep- design—seven fireplace; sleeping porch; and garage to match house; gas English Colonial—a design that is very impressive—with ctone chimney handsome and fireplace: se- Jected hardwood floors throughout Six bath. is here- delightful Every and a rooms, double and modern improvement tiled garage. Corner lot—which sets the house . ofito wonderfuladvantage, walks, installed. Water, sewers, gas, electricity are High School. The school facilities are unusual. A graded school is under construction —(see picture)—in the Park, to which teachers will be assigned by the Hyatts- ville School Board—and only a block and a half away is the new Hyattsville ard of effectiveness. Homes in University Park Range in Price From $10,000 to $13,500 —and may be purchased upon an extraordinarily attractive plan—a modest initial payment and easy terms. nowhere else will be found such a picturesque community—enjoying all the city’s conveniences. Seme splendid lots are still available in Sections One and Two— Sold on Easy Terms University Park Co., B. 0. L. Wells, Representative--Phone Hyattsville 36-J or 712 The House, Univer: ty which has designed for communit; If you want to build your own Home the Park Company will assist you to finance it Upon Easy Terms Park School been specially use—and will be completed ready for the ‘epenisg ol term, These Homes are completed and ready for occupancy. You'll note the pleasing types of design—all super- vised by the Park Co.’s consulting architect—thus insuring a high stand- Certain is it that Our representatives are always at the Park Office—Every day and Sunday—ready to show you through these Houses and around the Park. nc. Center-Hall "Home — of Dutch Colonial design. Six, rooms, bath and breakfast room; maid’s toilet in basement; attractive fireplace; Jaundry tubs: pleasing electric fix- tures and excellent gas range; hot- water heat; gardge of consistent design.- - 2 P D homes, with lots from 50 to 115 feet front. St. and fCathedral Ave. Middaugh & Shannon, Inc. Riggs-Semmes Bld ESTABLISHED 1599 Dutch Colonial Home, of pleasing design—a lot 110x150 feet; nine rooms, and completely equipped bath with shower; breakfast room lavatory with toilet on every floor ; sun porch; double garage. Artistic tile construction—of Semi-Bungalow type. and bath; hardwood water heat; breakfast room; fireplace ; Taundry tubs; Seven rooms hot- open as range; floors; very pretty fixtures; double garage Colonial Home; with garage to match. Eight rooms and bath; open fireplace in extra large living room;; wonderfully finished hardwood floors and trim; laundry ;-hot-water heat ; gas range. Actual improvements and home values exceed Wooded villa sites, lots, central and side hall Park Office, 32d g., Dupont Circle, Potomac 2200 3