It must be remembered that it is only two years since the devastation caused by the explosion and strangers in the city have considered it wonderful that we are so far advanced in building up that portion which only a year ago had not a house upon it.
The following tabulation gives the building figures according to the permits issued at the City Hall. It shows a remarkable recent increase.
| 1910 | $471,140 |
| 1911 | 508,836 |
| 1912 | 589,775 |
| 1913 | 839,635 |
| 1914 | 874,320 |
| 1915 | 1,066,938 |
| 1916 | 1,177,509 |
| 1917 | 844,079 |
| 1918 | 2,955,406 |
| 1919 | 5,194,806 |
With regard to real estate the Mayor writes in December 1919
The increase in the selling values of properties is remarkable. Business property has taken a jump in value, and it is difficult to get for business purposes property well situated unless at very high prices. Property has been known to change hands within a year at approximately double the amount originally paid.
The Secretary of the Board of Trade reports:
Real estate has been active, and prices have been obtained greatly in excess of what properties were valued at in pre-war days.
In the matter of bank clearings[160] the following table indicates a very considerable change:
| 1910 | $95,855,319 |
| 1911 | 87,994,043 |
| 1912 | 100,466,672 |
| 1913 | 105,347,626 |
| 1914 | 100,280,107 |
| 1915 | 104,414,598 |
| 1916 | 125,997,881 |
| 1917 | 151,182,752 |
| 1918 | 216,084,415 |
| 1919 | 241,200,194 |