There has been a phenomenal increase in building operations at TACOMA
amounting to no less than 855.8 per cent. in five years last past. The
following is the official record of the building inspector, showing the
number and estimated cost of dwellings and total building operations
for which permits were issued during the last six years. The building
inspector’s record does not cover a large amount of building in the
immediate suburbs of TACOMA, for industrial and residence purposes.
Twelve Mos. Dwellings. Total Permits.
ending June Number. Cost. Number. Cost.
1904 845 $883,068 1,429 $1,691,105
1903 620 665,895 1,043 1,543,755
1902 447 491,005 779 869,492
1901 251 316,640 652 692,156
1900 130 97,350 422 417,845
1899 74 51,195 371 176,934
Notwithstanding the investment of millions of dollars in TACOMA realty
and improvements, the mortgage indebtedness shows no appreciable
increase. In 1903, realty transfers reciting a consideration of
$4,646,537, were recorded and permits were issued in the city of TACOMA
for improvements estimated to cost $1,700,000. The net increase in the
mortgage indebtedness, as shown by the record of mortgages and mortgage
releases, was $169,655, or only 2.6 per cent. of the amount involved in
real estate purchases and improvements.