Then and Now
Then:
Now:
This wonderful Linwood Avenue house, located on one of the most incredible city blocks (in any city), has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. It was never in bad condition but it had suffered the same fait of so many older homes - "well intentioned renovation meant to reduce the need for maintenance". The house was stripped of much of its subtle detailing when asphalt shingles were applied over almost its entire surface. This was most likely done some time in the thirties or forties when there must have been an army of salesmen roving the city convincing home owners that their lives would be transformed by this wonder product. Thankfully the owners of this house had the good sense not to cover up and destroy some of the very delicate and unique craftsmanship that gives it much of its charm. The house was encased in its dull wrapping waiting for a brighter day. A dark and uniform paint scheme furthered the ultimate affect of drabness and gloom. In this state most people would pass by for decades giving it little notice to this jewel. Just another forgotten Buffalo treasure among many.
Then:
Now:
Thankfully someone did finally notice. In recent years the house has been returned to like new condition. Its transformation is nothing short of miraculous. The asphalt has been removed, landscaping improved, and a high quality roof installed. It has also been elegantly painted to highlight the textures of its cedar shingles and unique details such as the incredible freeze band across the front. This house is part of a quiet and extraordinary trend of major high quality Linwood Avenue renovations. Several of the Avenue's giant Victorians have been renovated back to their intended state. Some have even converted back to single family homes. With little fan fair and virtually no press people have been reinvesting in this glorious street. It you have had any inclination to get in on the action I suggest you move fast. The supply of houses like this won't last for ever.
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Comment Options
ForestBird
The "new" siding looks like gypsum, not asphalt, so probably was applied in the 1950s or even early 60s. I've seen many cases when the newer siding has been removed to reveal wood in very good condition, because it has avoided the weather for 40-70 years. So, even the fake-brick asphalt has a good side!
There are hundreds of houses covered with this stuff, on the West Side ... all awaiting somebody to bring them back to life. The area from Richmond to Niagara, from maybe Lafayette all the way through the Lower West Side could put Allentown to shame for its architectural treasures.
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L
The sadest thing is that there are/were wonderful homes in all of Buffalo's districts (east, west, north, south) and those that are left desperately need attention, visability, marketing and the tender care of an owner willing to maintain and restore them.
Anyone who has ever visited city honors (Masten High School) with the Maston Armory behind it, the City Fields, Masten Park and Humboldt being only a couple blocks away has got to ask themselves why this area isnt getting some of those $100,000-$400,000 townhomes, apartments/condos and single family homes to surround these great community anchors. Plus its incredibly close to the Fruit Belt and Life Sciences corridor.
Plus there is enough urban prairy on the eastside for a few business parks.
I think more people would discover it, if the Kensington Expressway ended at Best/Jefferson/Virginia ... downgraded it to a parkway and put more traffic on local streets.
Linwood is a great street but we spend more time educating people on all the other quality, distinct and livable neighborhoods in Buffalo too.
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martin
The owners did a great job and speaking from experience that was no small task to take on. I wish more homeowners would take an interest in their properties. So many gems out there still covered up or run down, but as gentrification creeps back into these area's....
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martin
[off topic here] I like the new BRO banner pic with the buffalo flag...
Mines up, is eveyone else's? So many people ask what it stands for!
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Cynthia Hammond
Off topic, but since you started it.(Martin) ..I have got my BFLO flag, but haven't been able to find a pole and bracket. Checked out Home Depot but they didn't have anything. Any help?
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pauldub
Any store that sells flags should have the pole and bracket assembly. If not lowe's try calling some of the smaller hardware stores, or check the flag places in the yellow pages. Hope this helps.
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eac
I only randmonly decided to follow this thread... but certainly Ace Flag can set you up, Cynthia. Depew is a long long walk, I'll admit, but they are my first thought.
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BIA Mod.
What makes me sad is that cosmetic damage like this usually dooms an otherwise sound but vacant house to the landfill--when it's on the east side.
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L
What exactly is happening to the eastside? I dont understand it. -Science Musesum -Life Sciences Corridor -Humboldt Park -Masten Park -City Honors High School (Fosdyk Masten High School) -Masten Armory -Central Terminal -Broadway Market -Canisius -the German Roman Catholic Orphanage -Saint Vincents Orphanage These represent major major anchors to the community. People pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to live in the suburbs so their kids can go to good schools. I would think that developers would be tripping over themselves to redevelop homes and rebuilt entire city blocks.
I mean unlike the strip between Main Street and Niagara Street, there are no real preservation districts to obstruct redevelopment. In fact, the preservation districts on the westside and northside actually restrict develop and encourage developers to go to the eastside.
Where exactly is the eastside voice regarding demolitions, flipping, downgrading the Kensington, light rail extensions to the airport, getting rid of municipal housing projects.
The eastside is filled with so much potential and everyday I find out more and more about eastside assets and Im stunned that so many BRising posts focus on Elmwood, the West Villiage, North Buffalo and the Waterfront.
And there are some really beautiful homes on the eastside, too.
Why is the southside and the eastside so ignored?
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