The Boom on the City's Edge
Tacoma’s Builders' Exchange reports a record year of growth, noting that hundreds of new homes were built in 'outside additions' beyond the official city limits.
The Builders' Exchange held its annual meeting last night and according to the report of the Secretary W. M. Evans there were 1,722 dwellings constructed in Tacoma and in additions just across the corporation line last year. He reported 634 residences built that are not accounted for in the report of the building inspector as they were in the outside additions, such as Hunt's Prairie, Regent's Park, Manito Park, and other sections which are a part of the city, but not in the corporation. Mr. Evans reports the quality of dwellings improving. Especially is the city being made attractive by cleverly constructed bungalows.
“Especially is the city being made attractive by cleverly constructed bungalows.”
In 1908, Tacoma was aggressively annexing its suburbs to manage rapid residential expansion. The struggle to account for housing development in these 'outside additions' reflects the same regional debates about urban sprawl and infrastructure that continue to define the Puget Sound real estate market today.
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