Evening Star Newspaper, December 7, 1935, Page 18

REAL ESTATE. FIRST APARTMENT HOUSE EXCAVATED Palace of Minos Stands cn Low Hill Near Knossos on Crete. BY JAMES WALDO FAWCETT. | The world’s original apartment house has been excavated. It stands on the brow of a low hill near Knossos in the Island of Crete, is called the Palace of Minos and has been dis- interred by Sir Arthur Evans of Ox- ford University. Begun in 1894, the ‘work occupied its sponsor for the bemu'hxn of four decades and is regarded by archeologists as one of the most important enterprises of its kind ever brought to successful com- clusion. How significant the long task has been is demonstrated by Dr. Herdman Fitzgerald Cleland of Wil- liams College, who says: “The people of Europe owe many, perhaps most, of the fundamentals of civilization to the Orient, but having obtained them, they adapted and improved them until, before the first millenium before Christ, they had created a distinct civilization of their own. Europe owes more to the early civilization of Crete perhaps than to any other country. Lying as it does between the Aegean Archipelago and Egypt, and not farm from the cost of Asia Minor, Crete could take advantage of any progress that was made in the south or east without having its native genius over- whelmed gnd without losing its individuality. Moreover, although Jargely mountainous, there are fertile plains and extensive pasture land ca- pable of supporting & considerable population. As the population grew the Cretans were obliged to turn to maritime trade and, in this way, their culture was carried to distant shores of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Devised Chronology. Sir Arthur invented the word #Minoan” to denote the early culture of the beautiful island and its numer- ous inhabitants. Then, with scien- tific care, he devised a chronology of three classifications: Early, 3400 to 2100 B.C.; Middle, 2100 to 1580 BC., and Late, 1580 to 1100 B. C. His guide in the effort to frame this “time table” was the development of the main artistic phases detected in the pottery fragments discovered in the ruins of the “palace” and reflecting the cultural progress of many genera- tions of tenants. The premier apartment house is a vast conglomeration of buildings rising around & central courtyard. E. J. Forsdyke of the British Museum, Lon- don, describes it as possessing “regular details, but no symmetry of design.” “This effect,” he continues, “may be | largely accidental, but it is partly | due to a predilection for irregular sites, a peculiarity also of Minoan town planning. There was sometimes a difference of several stories between the ground floors in one building. | Skillful use was made of varying lev- | els to admit light and air to interior | rooms, one roof serving as a terrace to the apartments next behind it.” | But it would be a mistake to suppose that the Cretans had no organized concept of architecture. On the con- trary, they perfected a style which resembles the Mycenaen, to which Troy generically belonged, yet is notably their own. An athletic race, they were devoted to ornament, and | their homes, like their clothing and jewelry, were richly colorful. Prob- ably, their appreciation of design was the most compelling the world ever had seen. It has not been excelled since written history began. ‘Walls of Monolithic Stones. Outer walls of the “palace” were eonstructed of monolithic stones, huge in, size and weight and everlastingly | durable; inner walls were of rubble, | set with mortar in a timber frame and finished with a plaster face. “Long porticos, borne by massive square or circular pillars, gave shade and shel- ter in the great courtyards. The courts are paved with flagstones and cement, and are traversed by slightly | raised footpaths. Wide flights of steps mount from one courtyard to an- other . . . Entrances were square porticos with a single central column | in front and two doorways behind giving access to & corridor and a porter’s lodge.” Interior rooms were large or small, mccording to designated use, but in- wvariably the ceilings were supported by wooden or stone columns, tapering downwards to stone bases which still may be seen. “The area covered by the courts and bulldings,” say Mr. Forsdyke, “is about 6 acres . . . On the east some ground- floor rooms have been preserved en- tire, together with the 17t four flights of the grand staircase that led down | to them. This was the domestic quarter, with cool, secluded rooms and no direct approach from outside. On the opposite side of the central court | were public halls and offices, their further walls bordering the west court. | ‘The outer ground floor contained the magazines, a range of narrow rooms, originally 22 in number, opening from | one side of a corridor 200 feet long . . . “On the other side of the long corridor, facing the central court, is the throne room, an apartment evi- dently used for royal ceremonies. It takes the name ‘from a high-backed This new apartment house, H. Brassil from the Willlam H. Saunders containing four Co., the builders. gypsum chair which stands in middle of one wall. On either side the throne are stone benches, and wall was painted with large griffins.” Southwest Wing Administrative. The administrative section of the “palace” was the southwest portion, opening from the west court and pene- trated by a processional corridor whose wall surfaces were Covered with fresco paintings of marching men. In the east wing were the industrial and service quarters. Living rooms were legion in number, and each appears to have been equipped with ante-rooms and porti- cos. Practically all mural areas were decorated with designs of brilliant color—red, black, white and gold the favorite hues, but blue, green and yel- low also being present. “Extreme technical facility” was the character- istic feature of the craftsmanship represented. “Painted walls and floors,” accord- ing to Mr. Forsdyke, “were universal in Minoan houses, even on surfaces exposed to weather. The process was true fresco on lime plaster.” Subject material included landscapes, chil- dren picking flowers, cats stalking pheasants, fountains, flying fish, monkeys, dolphins, the ceremonial sport of “bull-leaping” and crowds of men and women in costumes which, have been called “Parisian fashions.” Convenience as well as beauty was demanded by the Cretans. There were plenty of bath rooms—with earthen- ware tubs; excellent drainage and storage systems; good ventilation; heating and perhaps even cooling de- vices; community kitchens; pantries; warerooms; gardens, vineyards, and orchards of cultivated fruit trees. Monarch Sea King. The tenants of the “palace” were people cf means. Their monarch was a sea king, whose ships brought back wealth from distant countries in ex- change for the products of the island— one of which was olive oil. But at last the Minoan Navy must have failed. It is indicated that war swept over Knossos. In any event, the apart- ment house was burned and its in- habitants scattered. Modern scholars ask: Was the place the scene of something not greatly different from the traditionary legend of the monster Minotaur and the hero Theseus? Was the earliest tenement the celebrated Labyrinth built by Daedalus? Sir, Arthur does not attempt to answer these ques- tions. Instead, he is seeking solutions for archeological problems which his labors have brought to light—the secret of Minoan script, the hand- writing of the Cretans, for instance. Home (Continued From First Page.) Silver Star Homes Committee, unani- mously indorsed the house. The com- mittee is headed by James S. Taylor of the Federal Housing Administra- tion as chairman. Other members incltide: Irwin S. Porter, architect, and former president of the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects; F. Eliot Middleton, presi- dent of the Washington Real Estate Board; John Nolen, jr., city planner of the National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and Edwin H. Rosengarten, prominent builder. The house may be reached by driv- ing out Massachusetts avenue three blocks past Nebraska avenue to Upton street. Turn left on Upton street and proceed about two blocks to the home. 2 Beautiful Corner Homes 2 315 Ingraham St. N.W. STUDIO HOME AT A REDUCED PRICE you see this beautiful studio home, built by J. B, handsome corner lot and bus line. 310 Jefferson St. N.W. NEW STUDIO HOME That Will Surprise You Built by J. B. Tiffey cent new home wi startling new in- terior arrangements . .. step-up dining room . . . modern kitchen ...break- fast room ...2 baths ... fireplace . . . fine com- munity. - Open Daily and Sunday to 9 P. M.—Heated and Lighted NOTE: J™ e "t a'd'e Stroup_Realty Co. 1427 Eye St DL 0368 Capital (Continued From First Page.) shopping area out of a total of 622 store properties. “The influx of new residents to ‘Washington, occasioned by the expan- sion of Federal Government activi- ties,” Mr. Bangs declared, “has served to strengthen the market for store properties in the Capital.” > Business Increase Here. Declaring that Washington is prob- ably unique among the larger cities of the country in that it is distinctly non-industrial in character, Mr. Bangs pointed out that business ac- tivity has nevertheless inoreased here “unobtrusively and without detracting from the physical beauty of the city, which the Federal Government strives painstakingly to preserve.” “All types of investment property, when reasonably priced,” he con- tinued, “are now finding a ready mar- ket. Hundreds of new low-priced homes have been built gnd sold in Washington and vicinity, many of them financed through building asso- ciations and Government agencies. Many brokers are also refinancing imortgqe loans which are now due or about to become due. “There is plenty of money avail- able for large loans on business prop- erties at interest rates of from 4 to 5 per cent, provided they are leased to or owned by responsible business per- sons and there is a real equity in the property.” R. F. C. Negotiations. stances of single-purpose buildings, such as theaters, hotels and garages, for which mortgage money is not often readily available, it is possible to apply to the Reconstruction Finance Cor- poration, which recently started to make mortgage money commitments for the erection of this class of prop- erty where there is a substantial equity in the property and a real need can be shown for improvement in the community where it is to be lo- cated. Reasonable assurance of con- tinued tenancy is require also. ‘The Washington realtor, who spe- cializes in business property sales and leases here, cited a number of hypo- thetical cases, as well as actual ex- periences to illustrate typical prob- lems that brokers must meet in the conduct of their business. ——— F. H. A. SPURS BUILDING 59 Houses Financed in Augusta, Ga., Under “Single Mortgage.” Special Dispstch to The Star. noticeable here lately. The Woodward -Lumber Co. here has built 59 houses, financed under the “single-mortgage system” during the past season. The company is also active In South Caro- lina, where an additional 12 houses units, at 119 Concord avenue, Mr. Bangs pointed out that in in- | 'was recently bp ~—Star Staff Photo. COLORS IMPORTANT The color of the walls and ceiling is the most important factor in a rest- ful, attractive room. It is against this background that furnishings must go, and the color chosen for that back- ground should tie those furnishings harmoniously together. In choosing the paint for walls, ceiling and wood- work don't hesitate to select colors you like. If you are fond of brignt colors, use them as accents against a more neutral ground. It is, generally speaking, wisest to select quiet colors for the walls and ceiling. They will act as a foil for the bright color ac- cents in your curtains, cushions, etc. word or picture. WESTMORELAND HILLS Is One of Washington’s Most Beautiful Restricted Home Communities This distinguished horie defies description by It must be seen—and you'll HOME LOAN BANKS ACTIVITY AT PEAK Net ‘Outstanding Credit on October 31,1935, Reported at $95,595,000. Ths October combined report of the PFederal Home Loan Banks, mede pub- stitutions at a time of growing demand by home owners for long-term mort- gage loans. Net outstanding credit of the banks on October 31, 1935, amounted to $95,- designed as & permanent reserve for the use of private member home loan institutions both in increasing the liquidity of their resources for the benefit of their investors and in ex- panding the volume of their loanable funds for the use of home morigage borrowers. Membership in the system is restricted by law to savings and loan associations, savings banks and life insurance companies, the present membership numbering 3,441 institu- tions, over 99 per cent of which are of the savings and loan type. The substantial financial progress of the Federal Home Loan Bank system during the past year is indicated by the following comparative figures, in- cluding the fact that bank credit ad- vanced in October, 1935, was more than twice the amount advanced in October last year. Operations of Home Loan Banks: October, 1935. $7,927,000 18,610,000 122,830,000 109,183,000 23,957,000 8,067,000 2,904,000 21,213,000 3,378,000 | 2,579,000 | outstanding 95,595,000 86,846,000 realize that here is represented the finest in mod- ern luxury and convenience at a price aurpris- ingly low. Drive out Massachusetts Avenue to the District Line and convince yourself. 15,950 Corner of Blackistone and Carvel Rds, Loughborough Development Corporation 925 15th St N.W. NAtional 6370 TOWN HOUSE In The Aristoceatic Massachusetts Avenue Offered ot a Figure Substantially Under Original Price 1814 \24th St. N.W. COMPLETELY REDECORATED Ideally located and arran: active in the social life Section for those the Capital, its spaciousness and appointments per- mitting entertaining on the proper scale. At the price, an unusual presented to acquire one of desirable in-town homes, 11 rooms, 4 Spacious in plan. Modern through- most baths. opportunity is Washington's out. Large Frigidaire. Gas heat. Open Sunday For Your Inspection Alarm Phones Warning £ fed §§ ' § ¢ | g H 8g ! s § 4 1] 1 i : ! g il H §; T I ; T h H BRONX BUILDING BOOMS Eleven-Month Total Pive Times Y That of 1934 same perfod of 1934, according ures of the Bronx Board of Permits representing a cost 252,800 have been issued through November, as com permit valuation of $1,682,000 for first 11 months of 1934. Truly Real Home Values 4616-4618 ; 3 Nottingham Drive Chevy Chase, Md. Open and Heated 1 to 9 RM. Daily, 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. Sunday Compare These Distinctive Homes At $10,500 With any other t P Sy, 320 s, e S : Fy - T mf drive of bavers: oroval ‘of the dis: 2l o - eriminating housewife. Large. beauti- fully Tandsoaved Tot: ‘Detachiod rarae. Drive out Wisconsin Aven 5 et 16ne 1o Nottimgham Drive. oppe- Chevy Chase Club. Turn 1eft to BRADY BROS., INC. 110 Bond Bldz, Natl. 3934 Worth 2101 REAL ESTATE. SUGGESTIONS SENT 20,000 CONTRACTORS F. H.'A. Aids Electrical Group in 17-Step Plan for In- creasing Earnings. In co-operstion with the electrical in compiling & “17-step” plan includ- ing how contractors may adequacy for future needs. Use qual- ity materials and workmanship.” Each of the 17 suggestions is elab- orated upon and was distributed through the Industries Division of the Federal Housing Administration. ANNAPOLIS REALTY TAX MAY_LEAD ALL CITIES $3.08 Per $100 Assessment Is Rate Scheduled for Next Year. $2.49 for Baltimore. Special Dispatch to The Star. BALTIMORE, December 7.—Realty taxes in Annapolis next year probably will be higher than in any other city, : | including Baltimore, when the tax rate becomes $3.08 per $100 assessment. The tax rate in Baltimore City will be $2.49 per $100 assessment, while the rate in the counties varies from Com- | $.20 upward. The Anne Arundel County tax rate, paid by Annspolitans, has been set at $1.64 for the city. In addition the property owners must pay the $1 city tax, 22-cent special tax for the An- | napolis Metropolitan Sewerage Com- mission, and a 22-cent State tax. Lacks Silver. South Africa, so rich in gold, is poor in silver. ® Hand-painted Walls ® Crane Co. Plumbing ® 101 Electric Outlets To Inspect—Drive out Kansas Ave. to Jeffer- son St., 2 blocks east to homes. Exelusi | 827 14¢h St. NW. WORTH WHILE SEEING 2 NEW HOMES EACH DIFFERENT IN DESIGN A Center-Entrance Corner Home A 22-Foot Semi-Detached Facing on Two Streets The Finest of Construction Ultra Modern in Equipment ~—FEATURING— PRICED TO SELL POSSESSION WITH DEPOSIT Furnished Exhibit Home 121 Jefferson Street N.W. BUILT UNDER THE PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF MORRIS SILVER SAMUEL W. BARROW e Agent ® Overhead Garage Doors ® Stone Fireploces @ 2 baths, 3 and 4 toilets OPEN DAILY AND | SUNDAY 10 AM. TO 9:30 PM. Phone Nat. 2227 The front of this building is a replica of GADSBY’S TAVERN IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 231 FIRST STREET N.E (OPPOSITE SENATE OFFICE BUILDING) A New De Luxe Apartment Building, one of the most unique in the city. Architects, builders, interior decorators are cordially invited to inspect. Each opartment has log-burning Col BOSS & PHELPS OWNERS OFFERED FOR SALE : fireproof, screened sleeping porc ial fire- ; elec- refrigeration and automatic heat; modern kitchen; beautiful gardens. OFEN for inspection 9 AM. to 9 PM. RENT, $4080 per year. PRICE, $30,000. AND BUILDERS HARVEY P. BAXTER, ARCHITECT 1417 K ST. Drive Ave, and straight ghead on This Distinguished Home i 3264 VAN HAZEN ST. Sylvan Setting for n Chevy Chase, D. C. knotty pine, with Tile-Tex floor. American Radiator Co. gas heat. Automatic storage water heater. Purred and insulated walls. Large side porch with flagstone floor. Bulilt-on garage. OPEN TODAY AND DAILY Mconmflcfl‘n.b}l“‘w..mfl'flul”‘b&m%& Utah Ave. to Van Hazen St. and turn right $o homes. * WAPLE & JAMES, INC. C. R. MATHENY Specialist in Finer Home Construction Members Washington Real Estate Boaré 1224 14th St. N.W.‘