fall photos and a triplex conversion

Up early today, biking around in the fog and looking for any remnants of Old Mt. View that can still be found.

These are getting a lot harder to find, but some of it remains.

I thought there would be more enthusiasm for downsizing into 600 square foot little houses than there turned out to be. I guess if you’re moving from an 8,000 square foot home, you downsize to 3,500 square feet? 1940s style living isn’t for everybody?

There’s actually a few old houses here I won’t miss after they are gone. But even the worst ones still have potential. Don’t laugh! After all, it is paid for!!

There’s nothing like the character of property that has just been left to season. Why do we seem to be in such a rush to reinvent every square inch?

This 1940s cabin has at least two additions and is divided into three or four apartments. The second floor is stud framed with log siding.

The log buildings that remain are only a small sample of the 100 or so that were still here at the end of the 1990s. This one is the second house on the lot, beside a larger cabin and has a framed addition that’s almost as old as the house.

One of the better preserved log cabins. This one received an interior renovation five or so years ago and still has some of its original exterior windows and trim.

Back side view of a 1952 cabin on Bragaw St. This one is in nice shape, retaining almost all original features inside and out, with a good foundation with partial basement. Also has a garage and outbuildings that are built into the alley.

A 1950s multiplex? Don’t know for certain but appears to have been like this originally. Newer siding and original windows and doors. The detached garage, also with hipped roof is part of the same property.

It’s especially nice when two or more older homes on adjacent lots remain intact. The front one here is from 1947.

This shot gives a good feel of what the streets were like in the immediate post-WWII era of the neighborhood.

This place is hanging on for now (the only one left on its street). It needs some siding rehab, and to lose the kooky porch; and some better landscaping. But lots of potential.

Abandoned for five or so years, badly in need of TLC. Talk about opportunity!

I’ve admired this place for years — two tiny houses on one lot. Appear to be unoccupied and probably headed for teardown, along with a century plus spruce. Bummer!

Noticed for the first time this large house from 1950 is being renovated and converted into a triplex. Good for them for not tearing it down! It has a new roof and a stair added on the front to access the attic apartment.

This house went through a long dry spell of marginal occupation and deferred maintenance, but could tell it had some good bones, as they say.

Around back, they took town a hastily built greenhouse that used to be on the back of the dormer. Getting the last look of part of the old siding before they cover it up with probably some hideous new vinyl siding. (It would be easy to be too critical, I suppose.) Their next trick will be to find tenants who like living there, care for the place and don’t burn it down — which is much harder than it sounds!