But as part of trying to answer a work-related question, I found myself looking at DC Building Permits on microfilm from 1892 to 1920something. Just a quick observation… the 19th century stuff is a lot of new buildings. But there are, and more so in the 1917 & up permits, permits for additions to pre-existing structures. In 1917 and thereabouts people where building kitchen additions, two story add-ons, new porches, steps, thus basically not leaving their homes in the pristine state the original builder had left.
One thought on “Not so much lunch break research”
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Also consider that DC may have adjusted permit requirements, upgraded their enforcement/inspection capability, or some other statutory change. That would mean the jump you’re seeing isn’t because people all of a sudden started doing additions, but rather they had always done that work, but after 1917 they were just more compelled to get a permit. I don’t know the real reason, but my explanation is a possibility.