This house on Jersey Street on the lower west side, just outside the fringes of Allentown, went through a remarkable transformation 7 or 8 years ago. These vintage images (seen after the jump) were taken in the mid eighties showing the exuberant tower house cloaked in a dull grayish brown layer of asphaltic imitation brick sheathing. Like so many of Buffalo's grand houses it was a victim of this one-time miracle siding. I often wonder if this material ever actually looked good in the eyes of earlier generations or if it was just an expedient way to take care of a big old house in need of constant painting. Even covered in its dingy dress this Victorian was a stunning presence on the street.
The recent view shows the house returned to its original glory. It is really a spectacular neighborhood landmark. Thanks to whoever brought it back to its intended appearance. Notice that the adjacent apartment building to the right is now gone. No doubt that building was the source of much neighborhood concern when this area of the city was in precipitous decline. I don't know the reason for its removal. Too bad though. From the small amount of detail visible in the pictures it looks like it was quite nice. From what I understand the site remained as a weed and trash filled empty lot for several years until neighbors took matters in their own hands and established a community garden which is a great source of pride for the area. Step by step this part of the city is in a noticeable upswing with many renovations and some great nearby restaurants. A walk around this neighborhood delights at every turn and the streets are filled with many friendly people who love to talk about what they are doing with their house.
The real estate web site 'Zillow" estimates the house value at $113,000 and shows that it has 7 bedrooms and over 3000 square feet of space. Its date of construction is listed as 1849 but this does not seem accurate for a house of this style. Recent sales in the neighborhood range from as low as $25,000 and as high as $167,000 suggesting that there is great upside investment opportunity in the area.
The Vintage images used by permission from the photographer, David Daruszka.
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The recent view shows the house returned to its original glory. It is really a spectacular neighborhood landmark. Thanks to whoever brought it back to its intended appearance. Notice that the adjacent apartment building to the right is now gone. No doubt that building was the source of much neighborhood concern when this area of the city was in precipitous decline. I don't know the reason for its removal. Too bad though. From the small amount of detail visible in the pictures it looks like it was quite nice. From what I understand the site remained as a weed and trash filled empty lot for several years until neighbors took matters in their own hands and established a community garden which is a great source of pride for the area. Step by step this part of the city is in a noticeable upswing with many renovations and some great nearby restaurants. A walk around this neighborhood delights at every turn and the streets are filled with many friendly people who love to talk about what they are doing with their house.
The real estate web site 'Zillow" estimates the house value at $113,000 and shows that it has 7 bedrooms and over 3000 square feet of space. Its date of construction is listed as 1849 but this does not seem accurate for a house of this style. Recent sales in the neighborhood range from as low as $25,000 and as high as $167,000 suggesting that there is great upside investment opportunity in the area.
The Vintage images used by permission from the photographer, David Daruszka.
I love rehabbed houses in Buffalo.I usually visit my hometown during GardenWalk week. I and many others have noticed that there is a synergy between house rehabbing on the West Side and the GardenWalk. It's very visible on York St and the streets off of it going all the way down to 15th Street. I actually spend a fair portion of my summer visits walking around the West Side looking for houses that have recently been rehabbed or are currently undergoing that process. Almost all of them are great upgrades except for 97 Norwood which looks like an unappealing brick fortress. All this rehabbing is also a big vote of homeowner confidence in Buffalo.