View Full Version : Down comes another house
I can hear the bulldozers scraping yet another house in our hood - this time the one right behind us. Granted, the little mid-century house had seen better days and at 1200sf just isn't big enough for most Americans anymore. However, by searching city permits, I learned that it is being replaced with a 4000sf, 5 br, 4 bath "house". At present sf prices, it will be listed for just under a million when completed and set another precedent for replacing small houses with huge houses in this area. So sad to watch them destroying and trashing all the elements of the house too - the small trees and shrubbery, the flagstone siding, the oak floors, etc as if it was so much rubbish. Sigh...nothing ever stays the same I guess.
This is happening in my neighborhood all the time also. Small 1,000 sf and under houses from the 1920's (craftman style) to the 1950's (like mine) are being razed and ginormous McMansions are being put up - often taking up the entire lot. In the next unincorporated 'hood over across the street from me, they are building multi-house mcmansions - each over 5,000 sf on one lot. It's terrible. While the houses themselves are beautiful and very elaborate, they are so unsightly compared to the tiny homes they dwarf. This also causes parking wars because they houses are being occupied by large numbers of people and there are often 10 plus cars for each house. Heck even on my street, which still has normal sized but often extended houses, their may be 10 plus cars/house. It's terrible and everyone constantly jockeys for parking even though every house has at least a 2 car garage and a double-wide driveway (and most have been expanded to 4 or 5 car drivesways). Really really getting bad around here and a big reason I want out soon. Fortunately my city doesn't allow multi-housing units to be put on single house lots but that doesn't stop people from building up as well as out and then rent out many rooms to many people. UGH. I'll see oif I can find some before and after pics online. Pretty shoking.
I know exactly what you mean.. I feel the same way when they do that in the neighborhoods near me.
The most heart-wrenching for me was the Jesuit retreat house in Staten Island, Mt. Manresa (I've posted on this before). I never go to Staten Island, so it doesn't affect my quality of life one bit, but I feel so bad for the people in that community--the borough lost a great opportunity to give the community some fabulous open space, with a gorgeous old stone retreat house to boot, which could have been used as a community building, but instead they not only are tearing down all the trees, but they've been demolishing the building itself.
Latest news (http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/09/with_asbestos_found_in_second.html)is that they've found asbestos in two of the buildings they're demolishing and now the engineer is being questioned by the DEP--he's already had disciplinary action taken against him for the same thing a few years ago. I'm taking some small, sick consolation in that, but the buildings are already destroyed.
Those sound like what we call stealth dorms here. It is highly unlikely a single family will inhabit these houses. More likely multiple occupants with as you say, multiple cars. It is too bad the city lets developers get away with this but I guess it is going on in a lot of cities. And boo-hoo, mine will meet ths same fate someday.
I think it's mainly because I live in a large immigrant area (Little Saigon - the largest Vietnamese community in the world outside of Vietnam) and so many new immigrants (and students) are sharing rooms. Even my next door neighbor and neighbor across the street (I am the end house on a cul-de-sac so no one next to me on one side) have regular sized houses (approx. 1,000 sf with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths) rent to multiple people. Some live in the garage, some in the enclosed patio, some in the fix up shed in back, etc... Last time I counted their were approx. 10 or more adult people living in each house - probably closer to 15. Wasn't that bad before as the previous owners/tenents were more traditional family groups. Extended family groups with the grandparents living there also, but small in comparison to now. The city is cracking down on this but it's a hard thing to regulate. At least almost everyone is quiet and very considerate so that's nice.
They've torn several houses down on nearby streets. They were older, but not really past their useful life span. One, was on land acquired to place new a support for a hi-voltage power line; another was a 1910's bungalow that was on 5 acres, but was close to the road, very much in need of updating, and hard-to-rent to decent tenants. The other, was the best house of all--early 50's ranch, limestone block exterior. Nice looking place. But, it sat on a Commercially-zoned tract, and had been boarded up for several years, until it finally got the axe. It was in the path of transients & near the highway, and prolly had been broken into by squatters. So, it was razed to resolve the problem.
It's not so much the razing that is the problem, it's what's being built to replace it. Those mega McMansions of 5,000 plus sf don't fit in the general character of the 'hood or often on the lot. Here, these places have no yard - back, front or side - just huge house (or houses) with tiny little bungalows on either side.
I would love to have something around 1000 square feet. **DROOL*** I wish people were more into preservation like they used to be.
I toured the new houses behind us and the from one of the back doors, you can reach the fence with you leg. It's awful.
ApatheticNoMore
9-22-14, 3:38pm
It has lots of sides, I mean I also see LOTS (really tons) of fixing up of OLD houses (nearing the century mark). But I wonder how structurally sound those ancient houses even are any more? And yes it matters, I mean is one big earthquake going to down them? Yes you can give them a paint job and make houses that a few months ago were all the paint peeling and abandoned for 3 years (really I've seen it), look good and then charge 800k, but for me it's all rather lipstick on a pigish.
A natural area around here was destroyed recently for condos, the condos advertise that they are eco-friendly >8)
If you really check the stucture of a very old house, most are made of timber in its real form instead of OSB and pine 2by4s. You dont see rot if water is kept away. You do have to check for termites and other critters who dont care what wood they get.
Here the trim on new houses is rotting after less than 36 months. My 1939 was build of brick and it was well over 12 inches thick. The trim was rock hard and the walls were cement hard plaster. Think bank vault. We have a whole street with both sides lined with old houses moved to the site, gutted on the inside and fixed up. Very popular. Habitat for Humanity has a refurbished house that has the original woodwork in the entry, stairs and dining room. They preserved it.
My parents 1953 ranch survived a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska. Depends on the energy waves and the land. Alaska did not fall apart and only lost houses when the land moved out from underneath them.
iris lilies
9-22-14, 7:17pm
Well you know, if YOU (the generic you) do not value the historic structures in your neighborhood, others won't, either. I guarantee that the Gubmnt or a Builder of Cheap Ugly New Houses won't care a fig about preserving them. That is why it's critical to get a community to work together to define historic standards for a place before the wrecking balls show up. [/nag /]
I guess it's too late for OP's neighborhood which I envision as a 1940's bungalow 'nabe since I think that's how she has described it. I am saddened by this, I love little old houses.
Millennials have banded together here in my town to get historic designation for a few enclaves of 1960's residences. They are thinking ahead, and bless them for it.
Headed out to see the final devastation - nothing but flat earth. I sent out emails, contacted local news investigative reporter so it's not like I haven't tried to at least raise interest. No one seems to really care anymore around here but then again most of the old-timers are long gone. We'll be leaving too so I'm not sure why I care anymore. Guess I just appreciate history and a way of life long gone.
awakenedsoul
9-22-14, 8:49pm
Headed out to see the final devastation - nothing but flat earth. I sent out emails, contacted local news investigative reporter so it's not like I haven't tried to at least raise interest. No one seems to really care anymore around here but then again most of the old-timers are long gone. We'll be leaving too so I'm not sure why I care anymore. Guess I just appreciate history and a way of life long gone.
You tried. That's sad. I care. I have a 567 square foot cottage that was built in the forties. (I actually think the first half of it was built in the twenties.) I'm one of the only homes around here that hasn't added on...I like it this way. Neighbors always say, "You could build on an upstairs, etc." I'm not interested. I feel fortunate to have one of the original homes on this street. The little ones are just so cute. Children say it looks like a fairy tale cottage. I had a woman over to knit and she said, "Oh I love your house, it's like an elf house." There's something about small homes from that era...
There is a town in Iowa, one of the river towns on the eastern border--Keokuk. It was founded 1850's; not all that old, but it really took off in it's early days & grew quickly. It peaked out in population in the early 1960's at around 15,000 m/l, and is now at 10,000+. There are several towns directly across the Mississippi on the Illinois side that figure it into the area that Keokuk services; so Keokuk at one time had a very large downtown area. Lots of those cool old masonry buildings, both residential & commercial. My Great-Great Grandfather owned a foundry in Keokuk; they made castings, such as chimney cleanouts and some of them are found in the buildings around town. He has been gone since 1911, but his former building is still in use by an electric utility. What's my point? I'm getting to that. In the last 50 years, it's been a bloodbath for those old buildings in Keokuk's old downtown area, especially. There just isn't the investment needed to keep those buildings, so they get torn down before(sometimes after) they fall down. I've been following this on the Keokuk group, which there are several very lively ones, and it is a source of pride and pain for them to see this happen. I follow another group for another town in Iowa I refer to as Nowhereville, and they seem to take pride in ripping down them old buildings,even when they are NOT really that old & decrepit, "cleaning things up, nice and tidy". Out with the old, and in with the new(maybe). That's Progress, by Golly! Why, that might be a good spot for a drive-in bank or a convenience store or a Pizza & BBQ Place! Wee NEED MORE PIZZA! So, They rip 'em down.It's a different outlook, than what preservationists have. There was a nice, well-maintained multistory brick building on the main street--a hotel---that was barely 35 years old when a developer bought it and torn the building down to make way for a nice, new BANK. Even though there was space available all over this negative-growth town. That hotel building would've made good as an apartment building---and 15 years later, new apartments went up across from the former site. But, they had to tear THAT hotel down. They get their kicks--wasteful consumption and nice, clean, new Bank Buildings make them feel really rich, I guess. Just like they are big time.
Miss Cellane
9-23-14, 7:01am
There's areas around Boston where lovely brick houses from the 1930s and 40s, large homes with lovely woodwork and detailing, with small yards, are being torn down so larger houses that barely fit on the lots can be built. The older houses sometimes looked a tiny bit too large for their spaces; the newer houses definitely look way too big.
The remaining smaller houses now have their sunlight cut off.
One town has had over 400 older houses torn down in the past 6 years.
I suppose the love of all things large is returning - the bigger the better - where I live the economy is beyond booming. The changes are happening so fast it makes one's head spin. The busiest commercial street nearby is being bought up quickly by developers. The mom and pop stores and restaurants are disappearing and being replaced with multi-story apartment complexes and chains. They all look the same.
rodeosweetheart
9-23-14, 9:13am
Am bidding on a short sale in this neighborhood--not this house, but they all look like this, around 750 sq feet:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/503-Tidal-St-Beaufort-SC-29902/68766365_zpid/
Am going to have to pare down stuff to bare minimum, but we used to live in this neighborhood and loved it, no tear downs occurring.
Reminds me of my grandparents 1920's bungalow in Savannah, out reading on the front porch glider. . .
Am bidding on a short sale in this neighborhood--not this house, but they all look like this, around 750 sq feet:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/503-Tidal-St-Beaufort-SC-29902/68766365_zpid/
Am going to have to pare down stuff to bare minimum, but we used to live in this neighborhood and loved it, no tear downs occurring.
Reminds me of my grandparents 1920's bungalow in Savannah, out reading on the front porch glider. . .
There are so many great little old houses there in Beaufort. Spring break we stayed in a little redone cottage on Charles St, just off Boundary. I'd live there in a heartbeat in one of those little cottages. I've been going there 25 years. Use to be we'd spend one day at Beaufort and the rest of the time at the family house on Hilton Head but over the years we've switched that to staying at Beaufort and maybe one day at HH. DH's family is from Aiken, and they've had property on HH since the early '70s. I hope you win your bid!
rodeosweetheart
9-23-14, 9:43am
There are so many great little old houses there in Beaufort. Spring break we stayed in a little redone cottage on Charles St, just off Boundary. I'd live there in a heartbeat in one of those little cottages. I've been going there 25 years. Use to be we'd spend one day at Beaufort and the rest of the time at the family house on Hilton Head but over the years we've switched that to staying at Beaufort and maybe one day at HH. DH's family is from Aiken, and they've had property on HH since the early '70s. I hope you win your bid!
I think I know the one you stayed in--did it have the orange fireplace? We have lived in Beaufort and St. Helena on and off over past 10 years, and loved being in town for biking everywhere. Husbands niece just bought a condo in HH. Thanks for the good luck vibes--in my opinion, this is a great place for Simple Livers--would be so cool to have an enclave there--meet for coffee at the waterfront!
I think I know the one you stayed in--did it have the orange fireplace? I had to look it up, I was off a street. It's Newcastle Street, one street back from Boundary. No orange fireplace. Right on the corner, tiny 2 bed/1 bath. I hope you get it, then next time we're there maybe we can meet for coffee. It is possible I could talk the husband into moving there in 6 years.
catherine
9-23-14, 10:44am
Am bidding on a short sale in this neighborhood--not this house, but they all look like this, around 750 sq feet:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/503-Tidal-St-Beaufort-SC-29902/68766365_zpid/
Am going to have to pare down stuff to bare minimum, but we used to live in this neighborhood and loved it, no tear downs occurring.
Reminds me of my grandparents 1920's bungalow in Savannah, out reading on the front porch glider. . .
OMG!! 84K??? And it's adorable! And within walking distance to amenities! I'm bookmarking Beaufort.
Am bidding on a short sale in this neighborhood--not this house, but they all look like this, around 750 sq feet:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/503-Tidal-St-Beaufort-SC-29902/68766365_zpid/
Am going to have to pare down stuff to bare minimum, but we used to live in this neighborhood and loved it, no tear downs occurring.
Reminds me of my grandparents 1920's bungalow in Savannah, out reading on the front porch glider. . .I love Beaufort. It's one of the places I suggested to Iris Lilly to stay for her long winter vacation. It's one of those historic towns that seems to value it's older places and work hard to preserve it. There are lots of places like that - even here in SoCal - but seems more and more people want the giant home over the cute small places. My town, which isn't really "old" but once had a few historic places, built a park and put a few of the old historic houses on it when the owners were going to tear them down so they could try to preserve them for people to see. But it's just not the same as a nice neighborhood of small old houses - or even if they are similarly built new houses to replace run down places that aren't salvageable.
rodeosweetheart
9-23-14, 11:29am
I love Beaufort. It's one of the places I suggested to Iris Lilly to stay for her long winter vacation. It's one of those historic towns that seems to value it's older places and work hard to preserve it. There are lots of places like that - even here in SoCal - but seems more and more people want the giant home over the cute small places. My town, which isn't really "old" but once had a few historic places, built a park and put a few of the old historic houses on it when the owners were going to tear them down so they could try to preserve them for people to see. But it's just not the same as a nice neighborhood of small old houses - or even if they are similarly built new houses to replace run down places that aren't salvageable.
Yeah, Beaufort is the bomb, and there is a VA hospital there, Spartana, hint hint--I think we should all move there!!
Catherine, you would love it, very affordable, maybe get a place down there, rent it out while you are still figuring out where you want to be, but sort of transition into being down here. And Iris Lilies, I know Savannah was on your short list, but it's about a 45 minute drive to Savannah, and a much more welcoming town if you are of the Yankee persuasion.
Totally into the idea of an enclave, coffee on the waterfront, a simplicity circle in the making.
rodeosweetheart
9-23-14, 11:35am
Float, I replied to your reply and somehow lost it. I was thinking you were at this one:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44667
We used to go to a church right around there.
Oh, I wish you could get your husband to consider moving there. There are galleries and such for your work.
I am trying to convince mine to move back to SC with me--this past winter up here just about killed me. It was the worst winter of my life--brutally cold, snowed everyday, and I get SADD. Thus my decision to look for something affordable back down in SC.
Was there last week and swimming in the ocean--people still surfing, gorgeous beach weather, and water warm.
Yeah, Beaufort is the bomb, and there is a VA hospital there, Spartana, hint hint--I think we should all move there!!
Catherine, you would love it, very affordable, maybe get a place down there, rent it out while you are still figuring out where you want to be, but sort of transition into being down here. And Iris Lilies, I know Savannah was on your short list, but it's about a 45 minute drive to Savannah, and a much more welcoming town if you are of the Yankee persuasion.
Totally into the idea of an enclave, coffee on the waterfront, a simplicity circle in the making.My new home! Didn't know they had a VA hospital there (although it's close to Parris Island I think so probably lots of retired military around there) and that is something that is a "must have" in whatever place I end up in permanently. I was stationed on a barrier Island in North Carolina (Oak Island near Southport) and explored a lot of that area down to SC & GA by boat (coast guard boat) as well as on my bike and it's all great. A bit too hot and steamy for me in summer (and buggy) but winters are perfect - just the right amount of cold! Love the town too - it is one of my favorite places. Hmm.. maybe worth checking out as I thought it was much more expensive housing-wise.
Float, I replied to your reply and somehow lost it. I was thinking you were at this one:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44667
We used to go to a church right around there.
Oh, I wish you could get your husband to consider moving there. There are galleries and such for your work.
I am trying to convince mine to move back to SC with me--this past winter up here just about killed me. It was the worst winter of my life--brutally cold, snowed everyday, and I get SADD. Thus my decision to look for something affordable back down in SC.
Was there last week and swimming in the ocean--people still surfing, gorgeous beach weather, and water warm.
I've seen that listing before. The one we stayed at is not on AirBnB that I know of but I'm going to check. A client of brother-in-law did it in trade for some legal work and we got the benefit of that - free digs for a week. We use to sell to one little gallery there...that isn't any more.
I thought it was much more expensive housing-wise. Well, you can go much more expensive. There are a lot of beautiful, plantation style homes. You know the size where most of us would have more than enough room in the apartment over the garage kind of places.
catherine
9-23-14, 12:44pm
Yeah, Beaufort is the bomb, and there is a VA hospital there, Spartana, hint hint--I think we should all move there!!
Catherine, you would love it, very affordable, maybe get a place down there, rent it out while you are still figuring out where you want to be, but sort of transition into being down here. And Iris Lilies, I know Savannah was on your short list, but it's about a 45 minute drive to Savannah, and a much more welcoming town if you are of the Yankee persuasion.
Totally into the idea of an enclave, coffee on the waterfront, a simplicity circle in the making.
That would be great! Spartana, the VA would be great for DH as well--he spent a lot of time in NC/SC in the Marines, so he'd feel at home!
That little airbnb place is adorable. Yeah, let's do it! I'm a Yankee, but I could easily go undercover with a few "y'all's"
Teacher Terry
9-23-14, 12:48pm
Fortunately, here very few older homes have been tore down for big ones but the few that are look ridiculous in the neighborhoods. There have been a lot of people in our neighborhood buying the older homes & fixing them up like we did. Also we don't have multiple people in one house. That would be awful especially with all the cars, etc.
! I'm a Yankee, but I could easily go undercover with a few "y'all's"
Hey youse guys, how y'all doin'?
Yo, meathead, come here! nah, fugetaboutit, y'all
y'all lookin' at me? y'all lookin' at me?
:-)!
Of course I'd have to change my "Californian" too - "sup y'all, like, y'all should, ya know, like chill, y'all"
Hey youse guys, how y'all doin'?
Yo, meathead, come here! nah, fugetaboutit, y'all
y'all lookin' at me? y'all lookin' at me?
:-)!
Of course I'd have to change my "Californian" too - "sup y'all, like, y'all should, ya know, like chill, y'all"
Love it! That Joisey Southern drawl! Hey, half of the state is from South Jersey! Great one, Spartana!
Love it! That Joisey Southern drawl! Hey, half of the state is from South Jersey! Great one, Spartana!Well I guess that makes them "southerners" already :-)!
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