June 2, 2009
Historic fabric, part one
When we signed on to do this project with the City and the non-profit Nuestra Comunidad, I had pretty high hopes for saving lots of the original historic fabric. But given the condition of the house, I definitely should have known better. This house was not only foreclosed upon, but it had also been vacant for quite some time. It is astounding to see how quickly a once well cared for building can deteriorate if not properly maintained. Exposure to extreme heat and cold, moisture, and in some cases to direct rainfall (in one area there was a wide open hole in the roof) has sadly left most of the period details beyond salvage.
Two survivors, however, are pictured here – the two matching newel posts (one on each side of our duplex) and one marble fireplace surround.