Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Aldrich Ave. N. "Ornamental Fence House" Suddenly Goes Vacant...

Photos and blog post by John Hoff

The house at 2125 Aldrich Ave. N. is not far from my own house, and for the last couple of years it has been nothing but a headache as a family of "pit bull enthusiasts" resided there, the double-sized yard invariably occupied by at least one vicious, perpetually-barking canine. This home is distinctive because of a unique, apparently homemade ornamental fence surrounding the large yard.

If I owned the house, I would erect a privacy fence BEHIND the ornamental fence but leave the unique and artsy metal fence in place. But, currently, the fence looks jarringly odd and junky. I wonder what the story was behind the person who went to such trouble to create the unique fence?

In the last couple months, the property suddenly...


...and unexpectedly went vacant, and was boarded up. City records show it was boarded on March 15.

The owner of the property is listed as "Webster Jeffrey" (city records) or "Jeffrey Webster" (county records, usually more accurate and up-to-date) whose address is the same as the house in question. No rental license.

On the bright side...


Look! That yellow placard is from Animal Control. This is a relatively rare form of official paper, and though I have spotted these before I don't think I've ever photographed one and shared it on my blog for other "official paper" enthusiasts. Here, enjoy!


Look how nicely the placard was placed inside the door window pane instead of ramble-jamble thrown upon the door any old way. Keep up the good word, Department of Inspections!

Seriously, folks, if this house hits the market it's very roomy, in a great location, and I'm sure the interior is nothing that a lot of elbow grease won't fix! The yard comes pre-fertilized and will grow wonderful flowers.

1 comment:

Jeff Skrenes said...

I hope an owner-occupant buys the place. However, if it's boarded then that means it will be on the VBR list in short order. Once that happens, only someone with the assistance of a general contractor can bring it back to an occupied status.

And who has general contractors? Investors and non-profits. This assumes, of course, that it doesn't get demolished.

Here's hoping that 1) the house is indeed salvageable, and 2) that someone comes along to do that.