But Benton Park West north of Arsenal is not all 1870s houses; the house above, encased in the stone work I learned to get used to in Baltimore (where it is ubiquitous), has recently been restored. Below, I love this row of houses with gable roofs, a rarity around this part of the city.
This beautiful Second Empire alley house either never had a front house, or was built back on the lot for a large garden.
But abandonment creeps in, even so close to such an iconic church such as St. Francis de Sales.
I’ve often wondered if the city would put signs such as “Interested in buying this property? Call xxx-xxx-xxxx to find out how” would help curb some abandonment.
That would be nice, wouldn’t it?
The house in the last photo is finally being rehabbed!
Great news!