Friday, May 14, 2010

Interesting houses that aren't falling down

If you read my blog regularly, you might come to the conclusion that certain parts of the city are filled with nothing but falling-down buildings. While there are definitely some problem structures, there are also lots of interesting homes that have owners who really care about and take care of them.

Why, then, do I tend to focus on the ones that are falling down? They're the ones that need the help, attention, and work. The ones in good condition don't need anyone to write about them to keep their part of our built history from disappearing.

This photo essay is a somewhat random selection of some of the more interesting houses in a small part of the Hough area. Most were built in the 1890s. It's but one small part of what I one day on my lunch break, and as such, is a but a sample of what's out there.

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1411 East 85th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

Even a bit of vinyl siding and replacement windows can't hide the character of this house. Note the front porch, the great detail over the front door and, of course, the tower.

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1319 East 85th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

Note the detail in the shingles and in the second floor windows. It's not as fancy as some, but it still has a great street presence.

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1380 East 85th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

Look at the great windows on the second and third floors of this house. They give it so much character and presence. This is why replacement windows are a bad idea - how could you ever replicate that level of detail?

Robert Butler Residence
1415 East 85th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
Built 1894. John R. Shengle, architect.

I really like the way the front porch is integrated into the structure, and the way its columns are mirrored on the second floor.

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6110 White Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

There's something about the simplicity of this stick-style house that's really appealing. The front door, which feels like it should be on a house that is either earlier or later, somehow brings it all together.



There's much more visual history to look at, often not in such plain view. In a future post, I'll address some houses that surely have great detail, but the question is as to just what that detail is.

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the positivity, Christopher ;) I so enjoyed looked at these houses and your valuable notes. I hadn't seen those columns in the second floor windows until you mentioned it!

    I really love seeing homes like these. Not necessarily the "fanciest" but genuinely unique and filled with history.

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  2. I love this street--it's a posted historic district. Love you, too--Christopher for raising awareness!!!!!!

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  3. I have to take some pics of my street (W. 81st -- née Lohengrin). Some really fine structures like the designated historical Rossiter House, and even the plainer ones like ours has some lovely detail.

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  4. Thanks for a great photo-essay all while taking your lunch break!

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  5. you should consider Archwood Ave on cleveland west side, by Metro Hospital. Beautiful homes.

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