As I headed North on Delaware earlier today I came across Howard Goldman working on his historic brick mansion. It was neat to see customers walking out of New Era on one side of the street, and Howard repairing the brick facade on the other. I asked him how the work was going and he answered, "It's like having a toy to play with." I could see that he meant what he said, because he had maneuvered himself up to the second floor of the building by way of a handy cherry picker. "The bricks in the front of the house separated by two inches," Howard told me. "I'm fixing that and replacing the ones that we've found at demolished sites in the area (Balcom-Chandler house for one)."
Howard has taken on the two-year repair job as a personal hobby, and really seems to be enjoying the work. It looks so funny to see this old mansion sitting there all alone, surrounded by parking lots on either side. It would certainly be nice to see this building get some neighbors on either end some day. Until that time we can be thankful that Howard has found an interest in purchasing and restoring the only house left on what must have been a grand old block. If you missed WCP's detailed account on history, the neighborhood in 1865, the purchase, and rehabbing of 153 Delaware, then check out this fascinating post.