Evening Star Newspaper, October 22, 1927, Page 17

REAL ESTATE WASHINGTON, D. C, he anning i %taf SATURDAY, QCTOBER 29 &2,y || HOME & GARDEN | 17 e S ey O e . and Its Suburbs A Home-Owning and Building Page for Washington ZONING COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW SEMI-DETACHED HOME AREA Solution of Duplex House Problem Seen in Plan—Hearing to be Held on November 9. BY DON S. WARRE! An important_and far-reaching pro- posal for amendment of the existing zoning regulations of the District of Columbia is being drafted by officials of the Zoning Commission and will be the subject of a hearing at the Dis- trict Building at 10 o'clock on Novem- ber 9. The proposal is for the crea- tion of an entirely new residential area for houses of the semi-detached or duplex type. This new proposal, an alternative to the plan rejected by the Zoning Com- mission following the October hear- ing, is held to be especially important mt this time, inasmuch as the order of the commission precluding the Yuilding of any additional duplex type ‘homes in the present ricted a will become effective Janu 21, 3928, under the present order by the com- mission. Creatlon of a home area not new semi-detached only will provide proper protection of such develop- ments from the encroachment of apartment buildings, hotels and flats, but proponents of the plan see in it also a sure means of protecting the integrity of the present wholly de- tached A-restricted areas, as well as a means of clarifying and simplitying the whole zoning regulation system. Present Areas Not Disturbed. While providing a mearfs of protec- tlon for the duplex house develop- ' ments by the creation of a new and as yet unnamed area which would he designed exclusively for the duplex 1ype of house, the proposed amend- ment would not tend to disturb the present residential sections, which are distinctly made up of detached homes, it is pointed out by the Zoning Com- mission office. This would be possible, it is explained, due to the fact that under the proposed amendment own- ers of semi-detached property would have to make application for shifting pf such property into the new area, &nd the burden of proof as to the need of the change would be on them and not on the owners of the wholly de- tached property. The chief objection wihich was raised against the amend- ment proposed at the October hearing thus would be eliminated by the new plan, it 1s believed bv zoning officials. Under the existing zoning regula- #ions, it is to be remembered, duplex or semi-detached houses may be built in the A-restricted zoning areas. Be- cause of the protests against this ituation the Zoning Commission has ordered that after January 21, 1928, no mmore duplex houses can be built in ‘A-restricted areas. After that date the building inspector of ‘the Distriat will approve no more plans for the construction of duplex houses in wholly detached areas. Believpd Solution of Problem. TUnless some new provision is made, therefore, this order would force the builders of additional semi-detached homes to erect them in A-residential @reas, where apartment houses, flats end hotels also are permitted. The need for protection of the semi-detach- ed house developments has been felt Jor some fime by members of the com- gnission, and it is believed the pro- posed mew “duplex” residential area would solve the problem. Briefly, the new proposal to be con- idered at the November 9 hearing ould, if adopted, set up residential ning in this wise: A-restricted area—For wholly de- ched houses exclusively. A-duplex area—For the semi-de- ched or duplex or two-in-one house xclusively. Wholly detached houses, f course, also could be built in this ea. A area—For community houses, so- ments, flats and hotels, and, of course, also, for the wholly detached and du: plex type louses which are permitted in the higher residential classifica- tions. Below these classifications then would come the following residential as: Berestricted area—For row houses and for all types of residential develop- ments permitted in the higher residen- tial areas, with the exception of apart- ments, flats and hotels. B area—For apartments, flats, ho- tels and, of course, any permitted in the higher classifications: Detached, duplex, community and row houses. Need for Area Shown. Early in 1926 the zoning regula- tions provided for only A-restripted area, A areas, Berestricted areas and B areas. Semi-detached or duplex houses thus were permitted to be built in A-restricted areas. Members of the commission, how- ever, saw the need of preventing the building of semi-detached houses in areas being developed as wholly de- tached sections, which was then per- mitted under the A-restricted zoning. They saw also the need of preventing the building of apartments and ho- tels In areas being developed as semi- detached or duplex house sections, which was possible in the A-residential areas. In May, 1926, the commission thus adopted an amendment effective Janu- ary 1, 1927, providing that after that date semi-detached or duplex houses could not be built in A-restricted areas. In the Fall of 1926, however, the commission postponed this date to January 21, 1928, It was understood that the purpose of this delay was to permit the completion of certain du- plex house developments which then were under way. It was believed that the sudden halting of such develop- ments on January 1, 1927, would have caused an unfair loss of investment to the builders of these duplex homes. This postponement of the restriction against the building of duplex houses in A-restricted areas, however met with vigorous objection by owners of wholly detached houses. To clarify the problem, then, in Sep- tember of this year the Zoning Com- mission decided to create a new zon- ing area which would make possible the protection all classes of house owners wished. “Double A” Area Proposed. Selecting one of two possible ways of accomplishing this, the commission proposed creation of 2 new wholly de- tached house area—sometimes called the “double A” area—into Wwhich wholly detached sections were to be transferred, leaving the present A-re- stricted area for the semi-detached de- velopments. This plan was rejected following the hearing this month. The other and alternative proposal, according to present plans, will be considered at a public hearing before the Zoning Commission on November 9. It proposes simply the creation of a new area lower than the present A- restricted area be designed for the semi-detached sections. Such sections would be transferred from A-restrictéd into the new A-duplex area at a later date, on the application of owners of the duplex houses. The question naturally arises, why should the owners of such duplex or semi-detached houses seek to be transferred from the highest zoning.| into the new area? The answer is that after January 21, 1928, under the order of the Zoning Commission, such property, located in A-restricted areas, would become “non-conforming” and therefore they could not be repaired or altered in any way, and when ulti- mately torn down or destroyed could t“efl three-in-one type; for apart-|not be rebuilt. ',Overhead Cost of Building Materialé Reduced by Department of Commerce Since by far the largest proportion f the building materials used in the mall home is sold to tke builder or 0 the owner through the retail dealer, is at once apparent that anything ‘hich brings down his overhead harges may be passed on as a saving the udtimate consumer, who is al- vays the home owner. The division of simplified practice f the Department of Commerce has one great service to the building in- wetry and to the home owner by sim- lifying, in so far as is possible, the arious lines of materials which must maintained in stock, the Home wners’ Institute, Inc., stated today. ‘he simplification, of course, lessens e cost of manufacture and distribu. jon, as well as dealer handling, re- ulting in continual lowering of mate- als costs. implified practice, as a practical ethod of reducing industrial waste now widely recognized in the com- ercial world as one of the most sig- ificant economical and ovements of the day. It is being ap- lied to eliminate avoidable waste rowing out of the production of need- ss variety in types and sizes of com- nonplace articles. Obviously, the idea ¢ eliminating the unnecessary va- jeties in products, or making stand- rd certain most useful articles, will ot only make its influence felt in the mount of stock investments and in he rate of turnover, but also will en- sble the retail dealer to give better pervice and value, with lower over- head costs. By adopting simplified practice re- mendations wherever possible the mnuhcturer will have less capital tied up in slow-moving stgcks, more #conomical manufacture due to sim- plified inspection requirements, longer « process runs with fewer changes and less idle equipment, less The Triangle of industrial | dle and less clerical overhead, more permanent employment, larger units of production and fewer special ma- chines or obsolete machines, more prompt delivery and less chance of error. Experience has shown that in the average industry 80 per cent of the de- mand is met by 20 per cent of the va- rieties manufactured, and studies of dealers’ sales often show this is true in merchandising. Retall biulding material dealers, ac- cepting the simplified practice recom- mendations, will be able to reach out for new markets because their time will not be wasted in the effort to sell articles of a similar nature but with inconsequential differences. Simplification has proved its worth {in other lines of goods, and it is logical to assume that if given a fair chanee it will prove its value in this respect in the building material fleld. e BUILBING SHOWS DECLINE. Drop in Operdtions Accompanied by Lower Prices. National building operations have been on the decline for the past vear, according to the reports gathered by . W. Straus & Co. During the last five years building operations in the United States have been at the rate of more than $6,000,- 000,000 annually and have paralleled the automobile industry as an active underlying industrial influence. The current decline in building ope- rations is accompanied by lower prices | for building materials. In the labor field the payment of honuses in the building crafts has entirely disap- tock to han-peared, Massachusetts Park Increasing Values —between Massachusetts and Connecticut Avenues and Wood- ley Road. Over 250 homes built and under construction. Actual improvements and home values exceed $10,560,000. Wooded villa sites, lots, from 75 to 300 feet front. central and side hall homes, with lots Call for Literature and List of Over 300 Purchasers Middaugh & Shannon, Inc. ESTABLISHED 1899 1435 K St. N.W. Many-Gabled Home Has Wealth of Room Space Economy Is Keynote of Brick and Stucco Residence. INTERIOR UNUSUAL AS TO DIMENSIONS Sound Judgment Displayed In Arrangement of Its Many Features. BY L. PORTER MOORE, President Home Owners Institute This many-gabled brick veneer and stucco home conceals within its at- tractive exterlor a wealth of room space and a number of those seem- ingly unimportant features which, taken in the aggregate of small things which make up everyday life, do much to foster pleasant occupan plan is No. 280-S, and was built as a model home by the Omaha (Nebr.) World-Herald. The interior dimensions are unusual considering the total building size, and the partitioning of interior space dis- plays sound judgment in its economi- cal arrangement. The living room, entered directly from the vestibule, is of very good size. An interesting note here is the offset fireplace, on the long side of the room. This di- rectly faces the wide entrance to the dining room, and from the far end of the dining room, or the table, a fire takes on added charm with remote- ness. The kitchen has grouped handily about its four walls a built-in cabinet, a drainboard sink and a breakfast nook, across from the gas range, a design making the quick serving of informal meals easy for the house- wife. The electric refrigerator is in the rear entry. Here also are the cellar stairs. At the top of the well lighted main stairs are three good sized bedrooms and a bath, with a linen closet in the hall. The bedrooms are of generous proportions and are light and airy. There are large closets in_each room, and these are so disposed, excepting in the case of one wall, that they form effective insulators against the transmission of sound from room to room. Integral with the general plan, the garage is placed under the down- sweep of the large front gable, where it serves to lengthen the lines of the house and will help to bring it into greater harmony with any ground ir- regularity. It is on a level midway between that of the basement and the first floor.’ According to Arthur Bates Lincoln, consulting architect, Home Owners’ Institute, this home could be built for about $14,000. The cubic capacity is 25,500 feet. Outline of recommended specifica- tions follows: Masonry—Concrate footings under all walls, as shown on drawings. All foundation walls to be poured concrete mixed with waterproofing compound. Exterior walls of common brick veneer and stucco, as shown on plans; chim- ney of common brick, all flues lined. Fireplace of selected brick; provide ash dump with clean-cut door in cellar. Incinerator—Built-in Incinerator to be installed in chimney, with receiv- ing hopper door located in or near the kflc};‘en for disposal of garbage and tra Carpentry—All framing lumber shall be well seasoned and free from large knots, either Douglas fir or yellow pine. California white pine for exte- rior millwork and interior trim; oak floors. Steel bridging for floor joists. Interior doors and built-in Kkitchen cabinet as required in detailed spécifi- cations. Hardware—Owner shall furnish all finishing hardware for doors and win- dows, for closets and casework. The contractor will furnish a correct list of hardware, and is to put it on in a careful, workmanlike manner. All hardware on exterior openings to be of brass or bronze. Stucco work—Where shown on plans walls shall be finished with three coats of cement stucco, Finish coats colored and textured as directed. Casement windows—Steel casement '.“i'"!‘ldows may be used at owner's op- on. Plastering and lathing—Three-coat work ovar metal lath is recommended. A less expensive job may be obtained through the use of one-half inch of plaster over flat rib expanded metal lath or even wood lath. We suggest you obtain alternate bids on metal lath and wood lath. Insulating lum- ber or plasterboard may be used if desired by owner. Metal work — Gutters, rain pipes, valleys and flashing to be 16-ounce copper. Roofing—Roof of asphalt, slate-sur- faced, coppedclad or asbestos shin- gles; to be laid in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, Painting—Strictly pure white lead and linseed ol in propor proportion, with zinc oxide where desired, or a £ood grade of ready-mixed paint shall be used. Interior trim to receive two 327 Investment Bldg. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Prospect: A builder of homes in beautiful 16th Street Heights has passed to me something you in on for the price of your presence Sunday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., at which time the treasure opened for you and your inspection. The prizes contained therein will be offered at a rock-bottom figure. There are three such prizes in the form of semi- detached brick houses, containing 7 rooms, 2 baths, garage, wide lot, shade trees and other remarkable features. 5 The neighborhood is priceless, and a high-class neigh- borhood means high-class neighbors, and high-class neigh- bors means satisfaction, and satisfaction means content- ment, and contentment represents success. Very truly yours, P. 8.—Drive out Georgia Avenue fo Fern Street and west on Fern Street one-half block to the sample house, 1129 Fern Street Main 8685 N.W. Alaska Avenue t porarily closed. Dining Roowm 1807 110" PLANS FROM WASHINGTON REALTORS TOUR ARLINGTON COUNTY More Than 100 Members of Local Board Guests of Virginia Suburban Chamber. More ttan 100 members of the Washington Real Estate Board were the guests of the Arlington County mber of Commerce and the Alex- ndria, Arlington County and Fairfax Real Estate Board on an inspection tour of Arlington County Thursday. Evincing interest in the development in Northern Virginia, the local realtors expressed their confidence it the con- tinuance of the rapid development of this section of the county and showed interest in the various high spots of the tour. E Starting from Sixteenth and B streets, the Washington realtors were conducted in cars provided by the Arlington County hosts through the varjous cities in the county. They were shown some of the new and en- terprising suburban developments in Northern Virginia, given a thorough explanation of the municipal govern- mental system and the installation of water systems, the method ia which the various communities co-operate and the general advantages of Arling- ton County. After the tour the local board was entertained at dinner at the Washington Golf and Countrv Club, with the ‘various other county organi- zations as hosts. — e good coats of flat paint and one coat of flat enamel. Finished floors to be varnished or waxed throughout as directed. Electrical work — Complete system of electric wiring from meter to all outlets, includirg all panel boards, junction boxes and all other fittings. The installation must be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. Plumbing—A. complete_system and fixtures ready to use shall be pro- vided, as shown on plans and in ac- cordance with local regulations. Brass piping for hot and cold water lines. Gas or coal fired hot-water heater. Where sewer connections are mnot available, ule of reinforced concrete septic tank recommended. Heating—Steam or hot-water boller; coal, oil or gas fired. Tile work—Tiles floors and wainscot in bathroom, with buflt-in china ac- cessories. October 22, 1927, confidential, which I will let hest will be “THE SNOOPER.” 3ep Room 124" % 9+6* LRSS TS HOME OWNERS' INSTITUTE. INC. PYRAMIDS QUAKE-PROOF. Resistance of Tremors Believed Back of Building Form. An interesting speculation concern-| ing the real reason for building the | Pyramids originally is that of all forms of man-built structures, the pyramid form is the least liable to be disturbed by an earthquake, Along this line it is interesting to wonder if the newer architectural plan of building skyscrapers in pyramid form is not one of the wisest moves that could possibly have been made to avoid the earthquake menace. As cities grow the potential danger from earthquakes is enormously increased, and the pyramid form of architecture is one of the best possible protections against disaster from this source. BUILDING COSTS DECLINE. The trend in construction material prices is downward, and particularly 80 in lumber and brick. The price de-| pression in building materials which started at the beginning of the year has been slight, and has been offset by rather steady labor rates. Compared with this time last year; the decline in costs, which includes labor as well as materials, is in the;] neighborhood of 2 per cent, Engineer- ws-Record reports. @!WMEEW (COPYRIGHT, 1027.) W. C. MILLER IS HOST TO EXECUTIVE BOARD Organization of Committees for Ensuing Year and Realtors’ Problems Discussed. W. C. Miller, newly elected presi- dent of the Washington Real Estate Board, was host to the members of the new executive committee of the board at a luncheon gathering Thurs- day at the Carlton Hotel. Organization of committees of the realtors’ assoclation for the ensuing year and plans for increased activity by the board were -discussed. Other problems affecting, not only the real estate organizations of Washington, but the city as a whole and its de- velopment programs also were dis- cussed. Members of the executive commit- tee who attended the luncheon were Horace G. Smithy, A. C. Houghton, Alfred H. Lawson, Claud Livingston, John F. Maury, the past president of the board, and Monroe Warren. Other guests included Ben T. Webster, first vice president of the board; Jesse H. Hedges, second vice president, and Lloyd F. Gaines, chairman of the associate division. . Table and floor lamps do more to vitalize the living room than any other of its furnishings. Fort Slocfim Village Longfellow at /’\ 2nd St. N.W. YOU'LL BE SURPRISED when you examine t}lese homes. Imagine—they are built by Max Sugar, a builder of twenty-five to sixty thousand dollar homes. Yet, one here finds the same type of European architecture and less than $9,000.00. interior finish at a price There are only a few houses here, so do not miss this golden opportunity to obtain a real home. Tapestry brick, all modern improvements, large rooms, big bathroom, built-in Pembroke tub—shower —outside brick pantry. Sample House 129 Longfellow St. N.W. (Directions to froperty: Out Georgia Ave. to Longfellow, east on Longfellow to 2nd St.) Main 1054 Sugar-Built Homes or your own broker Adams 546 Tomorrow afternoon will mark the official opening of The Star model hom» which has just been completed at Ioland and Elm streets, Leland, Md., the fourth and last of the series of ‘demonstration houses sponsored this year by The Star and the Home Owners’ Institute in conjunction with the National Better Homes Movement. While actual construction of this moderate ‘size house was completed more than a week ago, a large corps of finishers, decorators and landscape workers this week were busily en- gaged in making final preparations for the month of public inspection and study, which will begin tomorrow aft- ernoon at 3 o'clock: The grounds of the Leland home are unusually large, and in the building of the house the many lovely ever- green and dogwood trees on the lot were carefully preserved and have been worked into the landscaping plan, which was developed by J. H mall & Sons. Duting recent days interesting terraces have been laid out in front have been nicely sodded to add greatly to the general effect of the place. Latest Equipment Installed. tlon also were the installation of the latest modern Kitchen equipment, re- frigeration and heating plants and the furnishing of the house, which has been done by W. & J. Sloane Co. Hangings that are in keeping with the general tone of the house were hung in proper place, and each piece of needed furniture that goes to give the appearance of an adequately and com- fortably furnished anc occupied home have been set up in the house. The place thus has the appearance of a home for some time in use by its owner. The Leland home has many features widely different from the other model houses which will afford interesting comparisons. The cost of this house was lower than the other model homes, and it is smaller and designed for a family of more moderate income than the others. The Leland model home is of the English colonial architectural style, with sharp sloping roof lines and dull- stained exterior woodwork and side- porch shuttered windows, and has a stucco exterior finish. It contains a living room, dining room, kitchen and pantry on the first floor, and three bedrooms, tiled bath and linen closet on the second floor. Supervised by Committee. This house, as well as the other model homes, was erected according to strict specifications made by the Home Owners’ Institute and.under the supervision of The Star Model Homes Committee, which is composed of Capt. H. C. Whitehurst, Assistant Engineer Commissioner of the District; Rufus 8. Lusk, John F. Maury and Robert F. Beresford. A representative of the bullders the house, the firm of M. & R. Warren, Wash.ngton realtors and builders, will be at the house to re- celve visitors, who will be permitted of B. of the house, and the grounds now | Among other last bits of prepara-| 'STAR MODEL HOME AT LELAND WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW Fourth and Last of Series of Demonstration Houses Sponsored This Year Completed, Furnished and Landscaped. at thelr lelsure. The house wiil ope: at 3 p.m. tomorrow, and will be open each day throughout the ensuing month. The house may be reached by driv- ing out Wisco avenue to Leland and then turning right for about three blocks, or by driving out Connecticut avenue to Leland and turning left for a distance of about three blocks. The place may also be reached by street car or bus COMMUNITIES DEVELOP PARENT-TEACHER WORK Growth of Assoclations Intimately Connected with Neighborly Get-Together Meetings. Just as the home is the backbone of | = mation, so it is with the community, | for the character of any community is necessarily the reflection of the home life of that particular lo spirit of a _community is dependent upon the character of home life in that community, we must then turn to the factors that influence the char- acter of home life, and we all recog- | nize that home ownership is probably | the factor of prime importance. A community is a combination of homes where there is a unity of feel- ing fostered by common interest. This common interest becomes natural among 4 group of home owners, for it is among the home owners that recognition is given, in some degree at_least, of dependence upon one's neighbors for a comfortable surround- ing, for the good name of the neighborhood. There is something at stake, as it were, for each home owner. The resuit of this situation is that he and his neighbors get together and they talk over the interests which are for the common good. Out of these little neighborly get- together meetings develop citizens’ associations, parent-teacher associa- tions, and ultimately larger organiza. tions that take up city-wide affairs of civic interest. The development in late years of parent-teacher associa- tions " is closely identified with local community interests, for members of these associations which are centered around each public school not only concern themselves with conditions relating to the school activities, but they also take up matters pertaining to playgrounds and things which con- cern child life. e Compensation Suits Continue. A review of the decisions of the courts and of the legal opinions af- fecting labor during the year 1926 Is contained in bulletin 444 just issued by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workmen’s compensation . | continues to afford the most fruitful source of material, the courts being still called upon in numerous in- stances to give construction to this re- to inspect the house and its grounds -2 e njoy Overlooking Chevy Avenue, fronting on 100-ft. minutes from the heart of churches and transportation 3 Spacious Bedrooms Living Room 16x24 ft. Ample wardrobe Closets Tiled Bath, Built-in Tub, Shower and Fixtures Tiled Guest Lavatory Bright Kitchen, Pantry Dry Concrete Cellar Only $13 t?lg %gmforts of a Suburban Home 15 Minutes From the Heart of the City cently adopted form of legislation. ot ol ol ol 2l EXHIBIT HOME 4609 Norwood Drive Cuevy CHASE TERRACE An Exclusive Restricted Community . Chase Golf Course Delightful new detached Colonial and English homes with separate garages, near Bradley Lane, west of Wisconsin . Norwood Drive—only 15 the city. Schools, stores, facilities serve the conven- ience of residents of this charming suburban community. Finest Oak Floors Quaint Open Fireplace Artistic Decoration Large Covered Porch Separate Garage Large Lot 50x132 ft. Landscaped Grounds Latest Equipment 5 O Easy 9 Terms OPEN AND LIGHTED UNTIL 9 PM. HOW TO GET THERE Drive out Connecticut Avenue to Avenue, south to Norwood Drive; Bradley Lane, west to Wisconsin or motor out Wisconsin Avenue to Norwood Drive, about 15 minutes from the heart of the city. »x CAFRITZ s Owners and Builders of Communities r —— M~