DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRONX 29 



the census report of 1900 showing that there were 200,507 persons 

 residing in the Borough. This gain, however enormous, but faintly 

 foreshadowed what was to come, when, in the next decade — the 

 period of 1900-1909 — was disclosed an increase of 230,473 in- 

 habitants. Thus The Bronx had more than quadrupled its popula- 

 tion in less than the number of years allotted to a generation. This 

 period of 1900-1909 has been in every respect one of unparalleled 

 progress and prosperity. It is a history crowned with auspicious 

 events, such as the opening of the subway, building of tunnels, 

 construction of bridges over the Harlem and other waterways, and 

 City Borough undertakings of the first rank. The projected 

 Broadway-Lexington Avenue Subway will undoubtedly cause the 

 denizens of congested Manhattan to migrate to the more spacious 

 and comfortable Bronx. 



In building, The Bronx has made greater progress than any 

 other community in the country, except, perhaps, Seattle. In 

 1911, this Borough was the third greatest building community in 

 the United States, Manhattan ranking first and Chicago second. 



From 1881 to 1910, there have been $360,000,000 invested in 

 Bronx building operations, and from 1881 to 1890, $27,000,000 

 were expended; $93,000,000 in the period from 1891 to 1900, and 

 $240,000,000 from 1901 to 1910. The outlay for 1911 was $22,- 

 837,060, and that of 1912, $36,049,870. 



While the building record last year was of unusual propor- 

 tions, experts assert their belief that more buildings will be erected 

 in The Bronx this coming year than ever before. From January 

 1 to March 18, 1913, plans for 204 new buildings, at a cost of 

 $5,624,416, and alterations on 392, at a cost of $244,467, have 

 been filed. 



The assessed valuation of the taxable real estate in the Borough 

 has also shown tremendous strides. In round numbers the figures 

 are as follows: In 1880, $23,000,000; in 1890, $45,000,000; in 1900, 

 $123,000,000; in 1910, $494,000,000; in 1911, $605,000,000; and 

 in 1912, $616,486,898. 



