Evening Star Newspaper, December 22, 1934, Page 16

REAL ESTATE DEPRECIATED AREA BENEFITS URGED Proposal Involves Owners In Neighborhood Pooling Improvements. (Continued From First Page.) passed to promote the flow of private funds and providing Government in- surance of loans for existing housing as well as for new projects, offers distinct advantages under the group organization plan. It has already made an important step toward bring- ing order in the chaos of the mort- gage field. “What is needed is & method for advancing credits to existing owners of depreciated properties, with the gether in improvement agreements to provide for the equitable distribution of advantages which can be offered by governmental aid whether in the form of insurance or of loans from the United States. Benefits Cited. “The rehabilitation of unfit com- munities and their progressive replace- ment can be undertaken on a basis that will not be unfairly competitive, provided present owners and investors agree among themselves to act through group co-operative enterprise. “Let us assume a congested de- preciated block with 30 per cent vacancies. These vacancies are usually distributed throughout the block with the result that many of the owners are suffering. Let the poorest houses be selected for demolition and the few tenants have to be temporarily accommodated in the better houses. “By ingenuity, the vacancies can be concentrated and a site cleared upon which new housing can be erected, and planned upon more de- sirable and efficient standards. This can be done with advantage to all, provided each owner agrees to accept for his property a share of the earn- ings of the entire block which shall THE EVENING BTAR, WASHINGTON, D Realtors Enjoy Annual Christmas Party. Members of the Washington La Payette Hotel Wednesday for entertainment. Santa Claus made the proviso that these owners band to-| gqye qut presents to most of the members. Entertainment be equal to the ratio which the value of his property bears to the value of the whole block. “Such a method of procedure would assure the equitable distribution of the aid which the Government is so anxious to give in order to stimulate re-employment as well as to improve housing conditions. Instead of con- centrating improvement in a single subsidized housing experiment, which would undoubtedly compete unfairly with existing properties, the aid should be spread among innumerable local districts which stand so greatly in need of improvement and rebuild- ing.” WEEK’S BUILDING TOPS LAST YEAR WITH 69 PERMITS (Continued From First Page.) 1-story frame dwelling, 5016 Klingle street; to cost $2,000. Terminal Refrigerating and Ware- housing Corp., owners and builders; W. E. Bernd, designer; to make re- pairs, 1110 E street; to cost $1,000. Metropolitan Life Insurance CoO., Washington Bldg., owners; Jarrett C. White, designer; James Beard Co., 810 Eighteenth' street, builders; to make repairs, Connecticutt avenue and L street; to cost $800. Church of God-Open Door Church, 307 D street, owners; H. B. Dawson, 467 L street southwest, builder; to make repairs, 307 D street; to cost $500. Goodrich Co., lessee, Fourteenth and Church streets; T. F. Collin, 1109 Twentieth street, builder; to make repairs, 1522 Fourteenth street; to cost $500. Royal J. Haskell, 1802 Lawrence street northeast, owner; Edwin L. Taylor, 3619-B Newark street, builder; to erect brick and tile garage, 1448 Juniper street; to cost $500. Cecil E. Coster, 3267 Van Hazen street, owner; George T. Santmyers, architect; Lee T. Turner, 1366 Perry street, builder; to erect one 2-story - frame addition, 3267 Van Hazen street; to cost $400. Cafritz Construction Co., 1404 K street, owners and builders; to erect three frame garages, 1408, 12 and 16} Brandywine street; to cost $300. Mrs. Mattie Ranke, 1417 Harvard street, owner; N. Gaskill, 1417 Har- vard street, designer and builder; to | erect one 1-story brick addition, 1417 | Harvard street; to cost $300. William F. Meggers, 2804 Bn.ndy-l wine street, owner; J. E. Thompson, builder; to erect porch, 2904 Brandy- wine street; to cost $300. Henry J. Connor, Inc, 5812 Nebraska avenue, owners and builders; to erect frame garage, 3332 Quesada street; to cost $300. through the office of J. baths. HOME OWNERS REDUCE THEIR INDEBTEDNESS Building and Loan Associations Show Considerabe Reductions Have Been Made. Indebtedness of borrowers to build- ing and loan associations has been reduced between one-fourth and one- third in the five depression years by the home owners’ repayments, This condition was em to- day by Philip Lieber of Shreveport, former president of the United States Building and Loan League. Naming the repayment of debts by the able borrowers a prerequisite to recovery, Mr. Lieber said that the diminishing | assets of building and loan associa- tions, at a time when there was no new construction and little real estate activity, could only be looked upon as a healthy sign of the shrinking debt burden of the home owner. Longer-term loans, lower return on invested capital and definite stand- ards of home construction were among his predictions for the devel- opment of the home and home finance industry. L e HOME LANDSCAPING IS HELD IMPORTANT Mrs. Luta P. and Miss Genevieve Hendricks, 3051 N street, owners; Wilson F. Earman, builder; to make repairs, 1698 Thirty-first street; to cost $300. George B. Furman, 1409 L street, owner and builder; Marcus Hallett, designer; to make repairs, 1409 L street; to cost $290. F. C. Davis, owner, Surety Realty Co., Chandler Bldg., builders; to erect frame garage, 4342 Davenport street; to cost $250. Mrs. Irene Chappelear, 715 A street, owner and designer; A. L. Seaton, 613 Twenty-third street, builder; to erect porch, 715 A street northeast; to cost $240. $1,000,000 FOR HOUSING Federal Program Revealed Well Under Way in Denver. Better Housing Campaign Commit- tee canvassers in Denver, Colo., after contacting 56,000 home owners and tenants, reported 6,300 of them have undertaken or will start repairs and Head of Nurserymen Body Likens It to Frame Which Enhances Painting. The landscaping of the home is likened to the frame which enhances the painted masterpiece by Lester C. Lovett, president of the American As- sociation of Nurserymen, who de- scribes the treatment of exterior grounds as the “outer badge of inner beauty.” “Attractive landscaping,” says Mr. Lovett, “denotes a careful home owner —one who has the desire not only to maintain the investment in his home, but to increase it. This desire is re- flected accurately in. the besuty and orderliness of the home’s surround- ings.” landscape work Mr. Lovett emphasizes the importance of design, into consideration the lot layout, character of the home and community setting. e HOUSE PLANS OFFERED improvements costing approximately $1,000,000. Reporting these developments to the Federal Housing Administration, the State director for Colorado also revealed that building tradesmen who have been unemployed for three years are now kept constantly busy with the new work the campaign has developed in Denver. Quick-Drying Liquids Found. New liquids which are said to be an improvement over the natural -dry- ing oils used in protective coatings have been developed through compar- atively recent chemical Known as synthetic liquids, they largely by evaporation instead oxidation. Painted Fences Add to Value. Painted board fences in many signs add to the desirability and val of real estate and they can be at slight cost. White fences cially attractive in the 8, 9.5% Hi! § i Homes Are Especially Designed for Farm Needs. Adopting an idea suggested by the National Lumber Manufacturers’ As- sociation booklet, “The House for the Growing Income,” the United States Department of Agriculture, in its Farmers’ Bulletin called “Farm House Air Conditioning Cooling Units Measured in Terms of Melting TDH' D‘ IC‘Q BY LAWRENCE TUCKER. During hot, sticky days and nights of Midsummer, almost every home owner fervently has wished the streets were filled with snow, or that a cool breeze would blow to refresh and en- liven the still air in the house. The answer to these longings can be found in air conditioning, and there is cer- tainly no reason, outside of the eco- nomic aspect, why people should have to suffer from intense heat any more than from excessive cold. In Winter we wouldn’t think of liv- ing in a house at & temperature of 50 degrees, but in the Summer we force ourselves to stand heat in excess of 90, which s 25 degrees hotter than the comfort zone. For those who are forced to stay in the city and combat the heat there are methods available that enable us to simulate sea breezes or fresh mountain air right in our homes. Many Washington home owners already have taken advantage of these facilities, spending Summers in com- fort, and there will be numbers of others who will fortify themselves the same way during the early months of the coming year. Unit System Popular. The unit system of Summer alr conditioning is naturally the most , 8s it eliminates the neces- sity of cutting into the existing struc- ture to a great extent. The units They are usually placed in some un- obtrusive spot, or can actually sup- plant the present radiator, thereby supply both cool and warm air to the room. If the room is very large it is more actory to use two small units , 80 that adequate can be obtained. Cold Plans,” just published, offers a choice | the tem of 40 attractive house plans especially needs. sized, with i d i REEE it § 858 g S §%§ il EEEE | i ol -2 £3E Iy i g. -3 i 5 | : : 5’ : i ;é } i : % 5 g g 58 Eel : i : HOME DESIGNING CONTEST PLANNED General Electric Will Offer $21,000 in Prizes to Architects. Special Dispateh to The Btar. NEW YORK, December 22.—Co- = operating with the Federal Housing Administration and to stimulate in- terest in small home building, Gerard Swope, president of the General Elec- tric Co., has announced that his com- pany will sponsor a national compe- tition beginning January 1, 1935, among architects for designs of small homes that will provide the utmost in modern convenience and livability. A total of 54 prizes, aggregating $21,000, will be offered to architects and designers. It will be possible for one architect to win awards amounting to $5,000. Demonstration homes later will be constructed in various parts of the country. “This competition will enable the public to get a new vision of what an inexpensive home can be like in this new era of our national develop- ment,” Mr. Swope said. “Science .| has made great strides in home elec- The home shown above, at 1609 Madison street, Was purchased recently by Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Frame Garrett Beitzell from M. B. SWanson. The Colonial structure has six rooms and two —Star Staff Photo. PRIVATE FINANCING OF HOMES SHOWS CONTINUED INCREASE (Gontinued From First Page) operate in its conduct. the months of largest increase in amount of loans” Mr. Friedlander pointed out. “This is probably ac- counted for in May, both by the sea- sonal influence of Spring in building activities and by the fact that the index of business activity rose some- what in May over the April level. Since October saw no marked im- provement in the general business situation over the month before, the great increase in building and loan advances can be accounted for only by the extra strenuous efforts being made at this time to get home owher credit flowing, especially the F. H. A. modernization campaign and the in- creasing amount of advertising for loans being carried on by the associa- tions themselves. Private Capital Willing. “The willingness of private capital to go into home financing, especially that portion of the people’s invest- ments represented by building and loan association shares, is demon- strated by this month-to-month ex- pansion in the amount of home owner loans. That willingness must always be aided and abetted by the inclina- tion of the average man to borrow money for a home, an attitude which is developing very gradually, but we hope, very surely. Upon its develop- ment will depend largely the invest- ment of the available large sums of home mortgage money in actual loans to home owners and home builders.” the melting of one-half to one ton of ice, or the equivalent, to remove this heat and give us comfortable air con- ditions, 5 Some Units Portable. ‘This rating of air conditioning equipment in the terms of its equiva- lent in the melting of tons of ice is the standard of the industry and is the basis upon which all installations are based. In addition to the units that are Questions concerning air condi- tioning, heating or ventilation will gladly be answered by Mr. Tucker. trification even through the depression years. There is no longer any need for the homemaker to tire herself out with household labor. Most of it can be done more simply, efficiently and less expensively by electrical servants. Washing, ironing, sweeping, cooking and washing the dishes can be done electrically at little cost. provements have taken place in home lighting. The toilsome, troublesome heating problem has been solved, and air-conditioning has arrived to make the home healthier, cleaner, more comfortable the year around. “All of the new advances in the art of living should be made available to everybody, and we are confident the architects of the country will be able to show in their designs just how this is to be done in the small homes.” ‘The project has been approved by the Federal Housing Adminstration and the Bureau of Home Economics of the United States Department of Agriculture, the American Institute of Architects, and the National Asso- ciation of Real Estate Boards will co- J. F. Quinlan, General Electric Co,, New York, has been named director of the compe- tition, with Kenneth K. Stowell, editor of the Architectural Forum, as pro- fessional adviser. Be sure to new home d @ BRICK CONSTRUCTION o FIVE ROOMS ® OPEN FIREPLACE o ELECTRIC KITCHEN © HOT-WATER HEAT Direction: Out SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1934, EXTERIOR LIGHTING AFFECTS DESIGNS Architect Sees Trend to Beautify Communities by Night. by night,” D. Knickerbocker Boyd of the American Institute of Architects declares in s report on “Architecture | v, yoryer Declares 2,000,000 of the Night.” “The designs of many types of buildings are being greatly influenced night. during “Architects of important city build- ings, whether monumental, commer- cial or industrial, no longer can think them in terms and colors as af- ted only by sunlight. Such build- be designed for night effects which the placement of the light is an equally important con- sideration. Night Lighting Growing. “This refers nof only to so-called flood lighting but to integral lighting units, that is, effects which may be of the structure for their appearance value. Added to these should be pro- vision for exposed lighting and other means of application for temporary lighting effects on gala occasions, such as the holiday season now ap- roaching. “Architecture of the night is becom- ing a reality in at least parts of mod- emn, well {lluminated communities. This is not alone due to properly lighted streets, boulevards and roads, but to the rapidly growing tendency to {lluminate the exteriors of buildings and other structures, as well as foun- tains, sculpture and landscaping. “From a practical and aesthetic standpoint this is bringing about a profound change in the night aspect of cities and their suburbs, particu- larly during the Yuletide season. N ing can add more to the charm of city and the cheer of its citizens than gayly {lluminated buildings and color- fully lighted streets at Christmas time, Gay Colors Add to Effect. “Upon architects, illuminating en- gineers and landscape architects falls the chief responsibility in connec- tion with all new buildings, street lay- outs, parks and grounds to provide adequate facilities for permanent illu- mination and for attractive Christmas and other special lighting. In collab- oration with city officials, building owners and managers and with store- keepers and householders, much can be done to produce purposeful effects that will be alluring through their de- t. climate the combination of holly and other greens, and of flags, banners EEleetric Health Kitchen In This Max Sugar Built & Colonial Brick Home $9,950 A spacious 6-room home in Chevy Chase. modern in ap- pointments and construction: conveniently asccessible; Wwon- derfully finished! 3803 Legation St. N.W. i i it ] TOWER BLDG. DIST. 3100 Tosmamsmazad this lovely the holidays 4815 Leland Street and bunting is frequently an adjunct of good lighting. “When permanent provision for outlets has not been made on the facades of buildings and in parapets, cornices or ornamentation, for the introduction of proper cables, garlands and lighting sockets for seasonal dis- plays, it 18 always possible to tempo- rarily arrange for them even though concealment of the sources of support may be difficult but not impossibie. “Shop front and other window decorations are always easy of ac- compbmulhmc. 1If adequacy of outlets HOUSING SHORTAGE SEEN New Homes Needed in U. 8. ‘That the United States is facing & housing shortage is the opinion of Ray Hofford, executive vice president of the Real Estate Association of the State Aee:m};:' York. to Government about 2,000,000 new mm'“lflwflen and about 12,000,000 homes reguire repairs and modernization. Local i S ent re] mo! Mry Hofford. o R <, . Fruit Trees Add to Charm. The transplanting of large fruit trees is now entirely practical, ac® cording to the Bureau of Plant In- dustry of the Department of Agricul- ture, and farmers as well as urban erty. Ornamental trees are being like- wise transplanted with success. exactly suited It costs less NEW APPEAL SEEN IN PANELED ROOMS Beautifully Grained Wood Now Available at Low Cost and- In- stallation Also Is Inexpensive. The paneled room has always stood for dignity and beauty and recently it has taken on new appeal to Ameris use of libraries and States and then to day it is used in virtually the home. Panels of beautifully grained wood are now available at reasonable cost, and the expense of installing them is likewise moderate. In the apartment house, where every tenant demands a different background, now washable wall papers made from actual photographs of paneled walls cost less than the ma- terials they simulate. Because actual wood has been used in preparing the paper design, door and window trim, chair rails, wainscoting and the like can be of real material and it may be finished to harmonize with the paper. The result is a paneled room that can be washed from floor to ceil- ing should the need arise. Lo e Record for Deeds Set. Special Dispatch to The Star. ARLINGTON COURT HOUSE, Va., December 22.—A new daily record for 1934 was set Tuesday in the num- ber of deeds handled by the office of John A. Petty, clerk of the courts of Arlington County, when 40 deeds of trust and real estate transfers were handled. Just North of . . . Wardman Park Hotel 2] A SOUND HOME INVESTMENT [ HIS well-built dwelling is to the needs of the average family. than moderate rental, and there are six good-sized rooms, two modern baths— also servant’s Modern conveniences throughout. fine residence be owned. room and bath and built-in garage. Inspect this today and learn how easily it can W. C. & A. N. MILLER 1119 17th Street District 4464 5421 30th Place N.W. ‘This lovely home is furnished for your inspection w is reached by drlflnsooul Connecticut Avenue to Mili- tary Road. right to th Place 5509 30th Place N.W. An attractive Chevy Chase home. furnished for inspee~ tion and reached by driving out Connecticut Avenue to Military Road. right to 30th Place. 5014 Kansas Ave. NW. y renovized 6-room and bath semi. ted sun parlor, built-in garage. 626 Powhatan St. N.W. A real buy in a semi-detached home, mlm'fi “g modern improvements. kitchen including an elect Drive out 7th Breet to homes at co Bochatan Bircerst T B i 5132 8th Street N.W. ‘This low price teresting value makes this reconditioned home an in- worthy of your inspection. « .. OPEN DAILY—10 AM.TO 9 PM. ... WM. H. SAUNDERS CO., INC. 1519 K St. NW. *7.250 o SLATE ROOF BASEMENT LARGE ATTIC ® LOT 58x100 ® GARAGE Wiseonsin Ave. to Leland St., Left to Property BUILT BY ALFRED T. NEWBOLD Presented by CYRUS KEISER, JR. 5211 Wisconsin Ave. English- Priced at Only e Bu:{galow $6,250 CL. 8371 On Convenient Terme District 1018 Just Like Paying Rent The Acacia $8 per $1,000 Mortgage Loan Plan offers lower net cost to the borrower than any loan plan we know of . .. No service charge No commissions or renewals No insurance premium to pay to guarantee the loan 51,9 Interest—No More Heated and Open for Inspection Day and Evening 1219 OAK STREET Woodlawn Village One of Nearby Virginia’s Most Attractive Home Communities Drive out mow and see this ever-populer English-type house with five cheerful, usual appointments spacious rooms and included in Brumback-built bath, having all the utifully landscaped lot 503150, with trees—only % square to bus. Drive over Key Bridge, out Lee Highway to Glebe Road, left 8 squares to property. Builder Developer T. J. BRUMBACH “::* For example: The monthly payment on s 1200. This includes interest at years your mortgage is paid payments, or pay your loan off com= d monthly. 15 You can make pletely any time. 000 N full, This exceptional loan plan is available to ewners of sat- isfactorily properties in Washington and nearby Maryland and Virginia. Write for Circular Illustrated Above or Call at MORTGAGE LOAN DEPARTMENT ACACIA . MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. Assets More Than $55,000,000 1437 K St. N.W. Washington, D..C..