Evening Star Newspaper, July 13, 1935, Page 21

REA NEW YORKER WINS HOUSING CONTEST Design for Low-Cost Home Picked by Judges in A. I. A. Competition. For his design of a home aimed | to .neet the needs of 75 per cent of the Nation's population, J. Andre Fouilhoux of 40 West Fortieth street has been awarded first prize in a low- cost house competition of the New York Chapter of the American In- stitute of Architects, it is announced by Hobart B. Upjohn, president of the chapter. Second prize went to John Theo- dore Haneman and third prize to Frederick G. Frost. Another entry by Fouilhoux took fourth place. | Forty-one designs from 32 architects were submitted in the effort to solve the problem of providing “decent, ade- quate houses for familics in the lower income groups.” The contest called for a dwelling to be occupied by a family of two adults and two children. As to cost, it was pointed out to the contestants that families with incomes ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 are the most numerous in this country. This group, it was stated, can afford to buy houses, including land, costing from $3,000 to $5.000. Problem Below $5,000. “The most needed solution is for houses below the $5.000 limit,” said | a statement of the committee, of | which Oliver Reagan is chairman. “There is no inherent problem con- | fronting the architect in the design | and construction of six-room houses costing $5,000 or more. Architects | cannot hope to solve the problem of individual houses of proper stand- ards for the lowest income groups: namely, for families having a com- bined annual income of $1.200 or less. | “This class, estimated by the Na- tional Housing Administration as rep resenting one-third of the population | of the United States, must receive | Federal or other subsidy, and it is| probable that much of the housing | for this group will be multi-family | or row houses. “Under the pational hous act the financing of houses of many of the lower income groups is made pos- sible in a way that has not hitherto been available. There still remains, ho #e technical problem of how buildings which will prop- fill the family needs at a cost | be met. erly which can Sought to Determine Costs. *“The competition sought designs, in- eluding construction methods and ma- | terial which will represent a real con- | tribution to solving the problem of how to provide the much-needed, | proper, low-cost housing. t also | sought to determine the exact cost | in different localities of such a house | of fixed accommodations and reasona- ble standards, under present condi- | tions of architectural practice. “Such costs will vary greatly in different. localities, and the informa- | tion thus gained will be of vital im- | portance to the profession and to prospective house builders. The com- | petition was essentially a matter of | study and research.” Mr. Fouilhoux was born in Paris | September 27. 1879. He received | the degrees of B. A, B. S. and B. Ph. | from the Sorbonne in 1897 and was | graduated from the Ecole Central des Arts et, Manufacturers in Paris as civil and mechanical engineer in 1901. | He was & member of the firm of | Whitehouse & Fouilhoux of Portland, | Oreg., from 1908 to 1917. He served as major in the United States Army | from 1917 to 1919. In 1919-1920 he was with Albert Kahn of Detroit. Associated With Hood. L ESTATE Colonial residence on Franklin street, Hyattsville, recently purchased by Dr. Thomas E. Latimer, chair man of the Prince Georges County Republican State Central Committee, from Mrs. Charles G NG STAR, WASHINGTON MacCartee. —Star Staff Photo. F l(;t Seen fmpo rtant Factor In Future City Housing ‘Hybrid’ Dwellings Solution of Nation’s Rehabilitation Problems, Says Henry Wright, Noted The humble flat may be the key to future city housing. according to Henry Wright. noted city planner, in “Rehousing Urban America.” just published by the Columbia University Press “Hybrid” dwellings, influenced by this type of structure. which for generations has resisted the encroach- | ment of the apartment and the single- family house. are seen by Mr. Wright as the solution of the nation's re- habilitation problems. “If we review the situation with respect to house or dwelling types available for large areas in our cities, we find that these areas are already occupied mainly by the family of structures known as flats—small or medium-size multi-family dwellings providing for households ranging in number from two to six.” Mr. Wright says. “Bad as they have all been in plan, they have survived like hardy perennials in competition with their popular rivals, the single-family house and the apartment. “There must be virtue in it some- where to account for the survival. Might it be that this halting and in- effective job, done under a purely commercial instinct, contains the germs within it of a higher, more humane type that could be consciously evolved? Might the solution be almost under our feet—might the wav to the future lie through the humble flat? Something of Kind Needed. “Clearly something on the order of the old-time flat, or at least equal to it in meeting average needs under city conditions must be found. Apply- is the evolution of a somewhat new City Planner. | provides a sane intermediate medium through which to re-ostablish the ur- | ban community. Holding slum clear- ance to be the “end product” of a series of unfortunate, though partially | inevitable processes, Mr. Wright be- lieves the next epoch will be largely one of conservation, not of further expansion. “If, misled by land speculators, we embark once more either upon riotous expansion or upon mistaken ‘model tenement’ policies of ccngestion. we may end with not enouga people to go around,” Mr. Wright explains. “We cannot permit sentiment or pity to blind and divert us from our perma- nent aims. What benefit is there in | ‘slum clearance’ if the method adopt- | ed is such that the money is all | spent at once and tne city further | impoverished? “Not only can nothing further then be done, but we shall have insured | is still controllable.” Materials and Methods. New materials and | methods have created an entirely dif- ferent concept of the structural rela- | tionship within the building bulk, one which is indeed revolutionary in char- | acter, Mr. Wright points out. “The bulding evolution of past centuries has been vniformly tied io the concept of a builéing technique based upon bearing wzlls supporting the floors of the building. “We have now reached the stage when this is entirely reversed, and we are ready to build almost unlimited | concrete, resting upon widely spaced Mr. Fouilhoux became associated | YPe of dwelling. which is a close | small supporting columns, adjusted to with the late Raymond M. Hood in | 1920. He was a member of the firm | of Howells & Hood, architects of the Tribune Tower, Chicago, and the News Building, New York City, and, later, of Hood & Fouilhoux. architects of | the McGraw-Hill Building and the | Beaux Arts Apartments in New York, | and the Scranton Masonic Temple, Scranton, Pa. Hood & Fouilhoux was one of the three architectural firms which designed Rockefeller Cen- ter. Mr. Fouilhoux is at present architect of the M-G-M Studios of the Chicago Tribune. {old worn-out relation of the flat. By crossing the strains of flat. row house, and apartment, a new dwell- ing which retains their good qualities but eliminates their defects is evolved. “We might call it a hybrid, except that. unlike the plant breeder, are able to cross our genera three at a time—flat. row house, apartment— and produce what he might call a ‘tribrid.’ Drastic and desirable changes in the home, the fundamental arrange- ment of which has altered little in the past 100 or even 1,000 years, are imminent through use of the wide we | | bousehold rather than warehouse loads, by which the outside alls, as well as most of the inierior partitions, | are left 1o be filled in ad lib without any permanent or restricting relation- ship to the basic structure. “This leads to the conception of basic space organization in almost limitless horizontal areas which will then be walled in from the elements and divided off into rooms and other useful areas, including projecting bal- conles and the utilization of roof spaces, more or less at will, of no more permanence than may be desired.” The greatest drawback to carrying | Members of the New York Chap- | spaces made possible by modern con-|on a large program of rehabilitation ter's jury, in addition to Chairman’ Reagan, were: Henry Wright, A.| Lawrence Kocher, Harvey Stevenson, Lewis Welsh, Robert McLaughlin, James R. Thomson, Frederick J. Woodbridge, Ralph Walker, Harold D. Hynds and Mrs. Jean Austin. . GROWERS TO MEET Maryland Fruit Men to Hold Ses- | sion at Smithsburg. ‘ Orchards near Smithsburg, Md, | have been selected as the location | for the annual Summer field meet- ing of fruit growers of the State, which will be held August 16, ac-| cording to Albert F. Vierheller, secre- tary of the Maryland State Horti- cultural Society, who is in charge| of arrangements. This event, which is sponsored by the Horticultural| Society with the co-operation of the| Extension Service, has long been a custom of Maryland fruit growers, Mr, Vierheller states, and orchardists from nearby States have been invited to attend and join in the discussions of fruit growing problems. | Reservoir Road FOXHALL VILLAGE America’s Smartest Colony of English Group Homes $8,750 FACING A BEAUTIFUL DE- VELOPMENT, WHERE HOMES ARE SELLING $20,000 AND UPWARD Vacant and completely renovized throughout. Convenient to bus and car service, schools, stores and churches. Only 3.1 miles from White House. In a high-class, re- stricted neighborhood; a com- munity that has won highest awards in architecture. Splendid home for small family desiring low upkeep. Drive out Que Street to Wisconsin Avenue, right to Reservoir Road and west to prop- erty. Open Sunday 2 to 6 P.M. BOSS & PHELPS EXCLUSIVE AGENTS struction, predicts Mr. Wright, who is airector of the town planning studio of the Columbia School of Architec ture. The group dwelling, he declares, Unusua s the general lack of appreciation of he problem in both its requirements nd possibilities, Mr. Wright continue: | Desirable results. he says. can be ob- the growth of whole square miles of | | new slums, where at present the blight | construction | | street pattern, especially in Midwest- | ern cities where block sizes are very | generous. | |~ “There is so much loss through the inefficient maintenance of the uld; buildings that, even though they may | | not be dilapidated or a public menace | | today. they might be torn down and | | rebuilt upon modern lines with at most | a very small loss in terms of money | and an inestimable gain in living| | values and permanent returns in city | taxes. “The situation assumed is typical of Chicago, where 376,000 families, nearly 40 per cent of the whole population, now live in wasteful detached two- | family flats. These deep. narrow build- | ings, facing streets running north and | south, are so related as to fill up the | | generous size lot and block most of the sunlight. “Fifty per cent more two-family units may be arranged within the same | space. so that all rooms receive either | morning or afternoon sunshine, by merely substituting modern broad- front attached flats of approximately | the same living capacity in four rows | per block. running north and south with the streets.” | Effective Ceramics Setting. In a cleverly conceived penthouse high above New York, an effective setting has been contrived for a rare collection of T'ang and Ming ceramics. | The living room walls are painted to | simulate light, waxed pine. The niches on each side of the fireplace, containing decorative Chinese figur- ines, are marbleized a pinkish brown and gold. 3,000 Natives Added. ‘Three thousand natives have been added to the police force of South Africa. 2 : ; ; | ing a modernized technique, the result | horizontal floor spaces of reinforced | | ! tained within the limits of the existing | Value 1313 Taylor St. Northeast All-Brick—Semi-Detached Three Bed Rooms—Two Baths Recreation Room—Oil Burner—Double Garage De Luxe Kitchen—First Floor Toilet Insulated—Screened—Electric Refrigerator C. M. WALLINGSFORD 1010 Vermont Ave. N.W. Natl. B s 2990 502 Mississippi Ave., Sligo Park Hills A residential section. room with Ample closet sp: through $8.450. out. To reach drive Spring—out Sligo on. Walter P, Baliles, Phone—Silver new Cape Cod home. located on a beautiful wooded lot in this Contains five rooms, fireplace—all rooms Slate roof, co Saratoga” Avenue ey iving large. tripped ice bath and recreation room, exceptionally and utters. Sere ace. een pper &1 weat! Garage. out Geor Avenue or 16th St. to 4",‘:‘ ue—one f Siock en ."“f‘“,:",:""figfl.‘ and home. Owner & Builder Spring 1-F-31 CENTER-HALL BRICK HOME . GARDEN SPOY Exceptional Value f Room for tennis first floor lavatory, ONLY $§1 -51119 17th Street 5 A Westey eights D. C., SATURDAY, MORTGAGE RISK REFUNDING BEGUN Premiums in Excess of 1 Per Cent Within Scope of Task. ‘The task of refunding all insurance premiums in excess of half of 1 per cent paid by mortgagors under the mutual mortgage insurance plan of the Federal Housing Administration was begun this week, Actng Federal Housing Administrator Stewart Mec- Donald announced today. This procedure is authorized under new administrative rules and regula- tions governing the issuance of mu- tual mortgage insurance, made pos- sible by the national housing act, which specify that “insurance pr miums on all classes uf mortgages are reduced to one-half of 1 per cent per annum of the original face value of the mortgage, and this regulatioll is made retroactive.” Premium Charge. Heretofore on certain classes of mortgages submitted for mortgage in- surance, a premium charge of 1.per cent has been levied, based on the original face amount of the mort- gage. For example, on a $4,000 mort- gage, the charge was $40 a year. The new regulations, under such circum- stances, will permit a refund of half the amount paid to date, which will be applied as credit on future in- surance premiums. Premiums on mortgage insurance, under the new regulations. will be payable on the date vhe mortgage was insured, rather than on July 1 of each | year, as heretofore. The purpose of the mortgage in- surance, snd the manner in which it operates, is described by the adminis- trator as follows: “Each insured mortgage is grouped with similar mortgages of correspond- ing maturity and substantially the same degree of risk. The premiums of each group are accumulated in a separate fund for that group. Insurance Losses. “Out of these funds must be paid any insurance losses and the expenses of operating the mortzage insurance program of the Federal Housing Ad- ministration. When, after deducting these, the credit balancgs for the group | exceeds the unpaid principal of all the mortgages in the group by 10 per cent of the accumuia‘ed premiums, the 10 per cent will be put into a general reinsurance fund and the rest will be used to retire all the mort- gages in the group. Earnings of each group are expected to be accelerated, | of course, by investing and reinvest- | ing the accumulated premiums. “Thus the mutual mortgage insur- ance plan might result in paying up the mortgage in advance of the final | maturity date, under which circum- stances the home owner would save | the payments originally scheduled for | this final period.” | | | | | Heating Plant Financing. Leading heating contractors have announced a special Summer finance plan to stimulate business during the warm months. Under the terms of the plan a home owner may have a new heating plant installed or an existing | upon for any payments or finance charges until the heating season be- | gins in the Fall plant repaired, but will not be called | JULY 13, 1935. BANKS SOLICITING F.H. A.HOME DEALS Applicants for Insured Mortgages Sought Out for Business. Banks in New Jerzey, Delawate and Pennsylvania are quick to contact those who obtain Feueral Housing Ad- ministratior. approval on insured mortgage applications, accordinz to a report received here from Arthur ‘Walsh, director of the region. Walsh stated that rumerous banks have requested names of applicants for insured mortgages to whom tenta- tive commitments have been issued by the local insuring office of the Federal Housing Administration. “Applicants in turn report.” Walsh said, “that as soon as they have re- | ceived favorable action by the ad- ministration, they often receive letters | from as many as eight banks asking | for the business. Apparently approval | of a mortgage by the administration | makes the home o~ter a person much sought after by the banks.” Hailed as Significant. Commenting cr Walsh's report, Acting Federal Housing Administrator Stewart McDonald said: “This is only one irstance to indi- cate that the banks ol the country consider insured mortgages sound Jn-] vestments. Whea a bank or banks | make concerted efforts to solicit busi- ness, the significance 1s obvious. “We have received other indications of a favorable reaction,” he said, “to the establishment of & maximum in- | terest rate at 5 per cent per annum for all classes of mortgages, together with one-half of 1 per cent service | charge and one-half of 1 per cent | mortgage insurance charge. Underi the revised regulations, however, any | financial institution approved as a | e D O Y ‘ DurcH_COLONIAL 4717 46th Street N.W. Drive out Mass. Ave. to 46th Turn right to Exhibit Hom $9,450 A FEW FEATURES Perfectly Planned Detached Home Colonial Design All-Masonry Construction Sodded Lot 45x110 Six Spacious Rooms Detached Garage Electric Health Kitchen Built-in Cabinets Dry Concrete Cellar TES® (COR. UNDERWOOD ST. gton’s great- . Six roor ealth kitchen, attic, buill NAT. 2030 I OF WASHINGTON or Immediate Action 4518 KLINGLE ST. Home set in spacious grounds—100x150 feet. Lovely landscaping and natural, rustic spring in rear garden. court. Home comprises four large bedrooms, two master baths, servant’s room and bath, screened side porch, two-car garage. 6,500—0pen Daily & Sunday W. C. AND A. N. MILLER DIstrict 4464 Artistic Decorations DETACHED CORNER Center Hall Plan 4541 Chesapeake St. Drive out Mass. Ave. to 46th St. Turn right to Ezhibit Home. $12,950 6 spacious rooms, 2 baths, din- ing aleove, large living room with open fireplace, recreation room, General Electric Oil Rurner. Reautifully landscaped deep lot, 110 feet wide. Brick garage, side porch. | Open Until 9 P.M. 11404 K CAFRITZ b1 s0s0 | | | More Than 3,000 Lifetime i Homes Built and Sold T e i REAL ESTATE. mortgagee by the housing adminis- tration may charge a lower interest rate at its own discretion. “Banks have also shown interest in the revised regulation which guar- antees the bank or other lending in- stitution against loss of interest on a defaulted mortgage from the time foreclosure proceedings are instituted to the time the property is turned over to the Federal housing admin- istrator. This change is significant as, in many States where moratorium | laws are in effect, several months | may elapse between the institution of foreclosure proceedings and the final act of foreclosure. | “With such favorable reactions be- | ing shown by banks within a few| weeks after the revision of our mort- | gage insurance regulations, we feel | confident that the next few months will show a definite increase in the amount of insured mortgage business handled by lending institutions of the country,” Mr. McDonald said. Floors Need Refinishing Often. Floors are subject to hard wear and tear. Frequent refinishing is, there- fore, necessary and regular renova- tion costs less in the long run. At the first sign of paint impairment or the wearing of varnish, the floor should be given a new coat of finish., Modern 2402 Brick Third St. N.E. Just North R. I. Ave. Out-of-town ewner who repossessed this home is anxious to his investments. A very attraeth brick in a refined, convenient, close. in neighborhood: contains 6 rosm: bath, hot-water heat. electrici An eoportunity you cannot afford o miss. $5,250—Real Value L. T. GRAVATTE 720 15th St Realtor Natl. 0353 Two Outstanding Values $8,950 Detached Home Desirably located near the Wal- ter Reed Hospital and just a half square from car line. Six good sized rooms, tile bath with show- er, front and rear porches, hard- wood floors throughout, hot- water heat, electric refrigeration, fireplace and garage. In perfect condition. Owner forced to sacri- fice because of illness. Terms. 815 Whittier Street N.W. $9,950 Four-Bedroom Brick A splendidly constructed home, 24 feet wide, ideally located near every convenience. Eight rooms, bath, extra lavatory off. master bed room, front porch, large screened rear porches, all im- provements. 2-car brick garage. Repossessed. thoroughly recon- ditioned and offered at this low figure to settle estate. Terms. 1512 Webster Street N.W. Open Today and Sunday SHANNON-& LUCHS 1505 H St. N.W. Nat. 2345 TRAD OLD HOMES FOR NEW 2825 17th St. N.E. Open Saturday Afternoon and Sunday 10 AM. to 4 P.M. This charming home built and sold thru our new plan will be open for your inspection today. WE BUILD TO YOUR ORDER IN ANY LOCATION We huy the lot vou select, fur- nish plans and finance completely. CUSTOM BUILT HOMES, Inc. | 416 5th St. NW. NAt. 1028 SILVER STAR HOME In Open Daily and Sun Until 9 P.M. Silver Star Home to the same specifications. with gas appliances. Presented by 916 15th St. N.W., J. An all-brick center-hall Cape Cod Colonial. 0 and gracious living. Six rooms, two baths. Beautiful corner, tree shaded lot. Built by Paul T. Stone, Incorporated. Also the builder has completed two lovely homes a few doors from the They are equipped PWrentwood 3359 Quesada Street N.W. Corner Broad Branch Road, O ne Block South of Rittenhouse Built for economy of maintenance To Inspect: Out Conn. Ave. to Chevy Chase Circle, East one-half block on Western Avenue to Quesada Street, thence two blocks to property. day Tnspect 3343 and 3339 Quesada St. Both. being pleasingly dif- ferent in design. Both worthy of your most careful inspection. WESLEY BUCHANAN, Inc. Phone Met. 1143 rigid