Objectors Are Answered
Laurelhurst Building Proposal Held Legal
Building Restrictions Declared Not to Bar Structure Designed for Purpose of Market
That building restrictions in Laurelhurst never had applied to the small park block at East 39th and Glisan streets was the answer yesterday of the Laurelhurst company, Paul C. Murphy andd the J.W. McFadden Building company to the injunction suit filed in the circuit court by A.C. Ward and other residence owners seeking to prevent the erection of a combined meat market, grocery and drug store at the location.
It is further asserted that the companies planning to erect such a building--which, it is claimed, would have all the artistic appearance of a private residence--are financially interested in maintaining the "class" of the residential district to a far greater extent than any of the petitioners.
Up to November 28 last the Laurelhurst company maintained its business office on the park block in question and the building has always been a voting place for elections. The block is not a part of Laurelhurst Northeast, Laurelhurst Southwest, and the restrictions on Laurelhurst Northwest were never placed on nor intended for block A and B of that plat, it is asserted.
The McFadden Company contends that it would be the last to desire property values injured by permitting undesirable business houses to enter Laurelhurst, claiming to have for sale homes in that district ranging in price from $5000 to $38,500.
The Oregonian, 25 Dec 1921
Laurelhurst Rent by Building Feud
Litigation Begun to Prevent Invasion of Business
Model Store is Planned
Structure Resembling Residence of High Class is Projected and Precipitates Row
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| Proposed Laurelhurst Shop building which is causing controversy in that district. The Oregonian, 25 Dec 1921 |
Action to prevent the erection of the structure has been started in the courts by a few of the residents of the district. A hearing is expected early in January.
In the meantime, City Engineer Laurgaard has suggested that the city should purchase the property and run the streets through it instead of around as at present.
Block Reserved at Sale
At the time the Laurelhurst company held its auction sale for the purpose of liquidating its holdings, this block was not included on account of its being restricted and its peculiar location requiring special care in development.
the property recently was sold to the J.W. McFadden company. This company announced its intention of occupying the office used for the last 12 years by the Laurelhurst company. Plans also were prepared for a shop building, resembling a private dwelling, to be erected on the south portion of the block. Restrictions were placed on the property under the terms of the sale so that it would be kept up with shrubbery similar to the grounds of a dwelling house.
Development Plan Evolved
Paul Murphy, manager of the Laurelhurst company, said that in selling the property for the establishment of a shop building the intention was to work out a development plan that would be to the greatest advantage of the whole of Laurelhurst.
"As this property always had been used for business purposes, was excluded from the building restrictions and was not attractive for residence purposes, the thought developed that a community shop building, having all the appearance of a private dwelling, would be an ideal development for the property," he said. "Before this plan was finally decided upon an investigation was conducted which showed that many of the subdivisions in the east handled their shop problems in the same manner."
Resembles Fine Residence
The building as planned is a story and a half structure and resembled a high-class residence. It would have a waiting room for the convenience of person waiting for the street cars and an arcade running through from the waiting room in the south entrance. Show room space inside the building would be provided, as the restrictions do not permit exterior display of goods.
The design of the structure was superintended by Ellis f.. Lawrence, dean of the school of architecture of the University of Oregon and a recognized authority on city zoning and planning.
The large majority of the residence of the Laurelhurst district are declared in favor of the proposed shop building, inasmuch as it would be a great convenience in the purchasing of supplies and needed articles for the home on short notice.
Mr. McFadden, of the McFadden building company, announced that construction work would be started immediately in case of a favorable decision of the court.
Laurelhurst Row Ends
Improvements are Assured for Residential Tract
Proposed Street Extension Will Proceed and Long Controversy is Brought to Close
Settlement of the controversy which has been raging over the proposed erection of a business building in the center of Laurelhurst, at East 39th and Glisan Streets, was reached yesterday at a conference attended by Paul Murphy of the Laurelhurst company, J.W. McFadden, City Commissioner Barbur, City Attorney Grant and City Engineer Laurgaard. Under the agreement the proposed street extension will be allowed to proceed and Mr. McFadden will get permission to conduct a real estate office on the property for a period of years.
Property owners of Laurelhurst, opposed to any business building in the district, sought to enjoin Mr. McFadden in the courts to erecting a building and failing in this appealed to the city council. For several weeks the various interests have been meeting in the conferences called by Commissioner Barbur and the arrangement made is believed to be satisfactory to all persons involved in the controversy.
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