Part of my job with the Historic District Commission deals with a list called Demolition by Neglect. This is when a property is being neglected slowly, the building is gradually deteriorating. The purpose of the list is to contact owner and talk about what need to be done to a building before the city request for the demolition. Sometimes we are luckly and a new owner will repair the home before that occurs. Here are a few examples of before and after, and these are only the cases that I know about.

East Side 1 Before

This photo, taken June of 2000, was the house of an elderly gentleman who was unable to care for his home. The wood siding was starting to deteriorated and had overgrown vines. Some shutters had fallen off and it was badly in need of paint.

East Side 1 After

When a new owner, who knew the previous owner, bought the property, he wanted to repair the house close to the original. This included using the old color scheme which is just barely evident in the before photo.

East Side 1 After

Another view of the house from the street. This house has the front door situated at the side of the house, not uncommon on the east side. Notice the color detail in the shutters as well.

Central Before

Taken in March of 2000, this house shows potential with doors and windows boarded, loose paint and a other wood work.

Central After

It was purchased and the exterior was repaired. The new owner repaired the wood windows and trim including the brackets below the wall dormer. She also removed the bushes to reveal the panels along the bottom of the arched windows.

Eastside Duplex Before

A duplex on the eastside was need a new owner in October of 2001. The porches were in need or repair and the wood siding was starting to deteriorate.

Eastside Duplex After 1

The new owner saw the potential and charm that was possible. Not only was a new coat of paint applied, the porches were repaired with more appropriate sized porch posts.

Eastside Duplex After 2

The rehabilitation project also included the construction of a dormer on each side elevation for more attic space. The new owner also owns the building to the left of the photo and has plans for its repair as well.