The Fight for Fourth and Washington

The principal event in building circles during the past week was the issuing of a permit by Superintendent Helms for the erection of a $10,000 building by Gee Lee & Co., Chinese merchants, on the northwest corner of South Fourth and Washington streets. The building will be three stories in height with a basement, built of brick and stone. The first story will be occupied as stores, and the upper part for rectories and lodging houses. Edward Dow is the architect and builder. Chin Kee, manager of the firm’s business, says the work will be pushed to completion as soon as possible. The ground on which the building is to be erected has been leased for a term of fifteen years with the option of purchase. Owing to the legal obstacle preventing Chinamen from purchasing real estate it was found impossible to buy the lot. The question was considered of having the children of Gee Lee, born in this country, purchase the property, but they are minors, and consequently a lease was effected with the option of purchase for a period long enough to allow the children to become of age, when the property will be transferred to them.