Towns > Dundee > 1809-1912 - Dundee directory > 1898-1899

14 GENERAL NOTICE.
the same taste in that portion of the buildings looking into Euclid
crescent, where a dusky brick wall not only offends the eye but
spoils the architectural amenities of the adjacent buildings.
With regard to properties in the centre of the city, a phenomenon,
designated a boom, which unexpectedly breaks out every decade or
so, occurred a short while ago, thereby causing an unwonted flutter
in the property market, with the result that a number of buildings
situated in the best situations for business purposes changed hands
at figures that would have astonished the most ardent speculator of
a generation ago. The result of this boom, although not apparent at
present, will be seen in the course of next year, when we will have
newer and more attractive frontages in the shape of spacious shops and
accommodation for warehousemen in some of our central areas.
Another effect of the boom has been the large increase in the value of
all good properties in our leading streets, particularly those abutting
on High Street.
The arrangements for the construction of the Victoria Hospital for
Incurables are now well forward, Balgay House having been acquired
for that purpose. Large additions are to be made to the present
building, the grounds are to be beautifully laid out, and everything
will be done to place this beneficent institution on a footing com-
mensurate with the good work which is intended to be carried on
within its walls. Farington Hall and grounds, with their fine
frontage to Perth Road, having been acquired by Dundee gentlemen,
are to be laid out according to a set feuing plan. As the feus are
being taken up rapidly, in the course of a year or two this place will
form a select residential district for well-to-do people. The continua-
tion of Viewforth Street to Blackness Road is now completed, and
this thoroughfare will soon be covered with villas and the better
class of dwelling houses.
Probably the most important step taken by the Corporation for a
time has been the resolution to municipalize the Tramways, a course
which was recommended a few years ago, but not adopted. The
management of the Tramways by a private company has never been
popular, and the community, instead of opposing the resolution, have
given it their cordial support. It is anticipated, after the Tramways
have come into the hands of the Town Council in 1900, that that body
will extend the system to other parts of the city ; and as there is no
doubt that electricity, either overhead or underground, will be utilized
as motive power, important inducements for travelling by car will
be given. It may naturally be expected that by the opening of
other Tramway routes new districts will be formed, the town extended,
and congested and densely populated localities relieved.
Other public improvements, each of which will be a benefit to the
burgh, are also under consideration. The Seabraes, the negotiations
regarding which have dragged on for several weary years, have at last
been acquired, a satisfactory arrangement having been come to with
the Caledonian Railway Company. It is proposed to widen Perth
Road at this point, to lay out the sloping ground in terraces, and
to ornament it with flowers and grass plots.
Since the introduction of our system of electric lighting, it has made