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World War Two put a stop to almost all domestic construction. Work for architects was hard to find. Van Bergen describes this project and the current situation in letters to his daughter, Nancy, in college:
Post marked April 10, 1942:
"... I've been in the city a lot lately trying to get something & especially the Lansing subdivision started. I'm going in again tomorrow, Friday, to meet the owner again... I have an interesting subdivision plan & I do hope those 14 first houses go ahead. You see they have to sell for not more than $6000.00, house & lot complete, so you see there is not much room to play with varying schemes..."
Post marked April 16, 1942:
"...The Priorities Board daily puts a stop to all building materials. That with this perfect building weather - no new construction puts a peculiar light on the whole set-up. What a mess the human(?) race has turned out to be - not a cell working in a carload!
"It now looks as though the Lansing project might go ahead - the whole thing at once. If that goes that way I'll be more than busy again. This waiting, waiting, gets on my nerves & at times almost crazy. Mr Cyzio will probably take on the subdivision, as he is 1/2 owner in the land, & run the thing himself, i.e.: he'll be considered the owner. If it goes thus it will be very fine for your poor old dad. Here's hoping!"
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