A reader who lives nearby was wondering about two homes on Wharton Street that are currently undergoing a little bit of plastic surgery. We investigated, and unfortunately found nothing too exciting to report. But here’s the facts anyway, Jack (note, the reader wasn’t named Jack).

In the past

Current view

513 Wharton St. looks like it’s been in the same family since at least the 1980s. It hasn’t been listed for sale of late, so we’re guessing the folks who have owned it for years aren’t going anywhere. Looking at the old facade in the photo above, we’re guessing that it was just time to replace the front of the building and not an effort to spruce up the property in advance of a sale. We do hope that the new facade incorporates some cornice element, as the cornice that was removed was interesting and unique.

A couple of years ago

Yesterday

Meanwhile, at 610-12 Wharton St., there’s a real opportunity to create a much more attractive building. Like the previous building we mentioned, this property has had the same owners since at least the 1980s and we don’t think it will be changing hands in the near future. But it will hopefully look dramatically better very soon. As you can see, the old facade had tiny windows and vinyl siding on the top two floors. We would have to imagine that the new facade will have normal-sized windows and three stories of brick.

This area has seen some redevelopment in recent years but has also retained a large percentage of its long-term residents. It’s wonderful to see folks who have been in a property for decades take steps to maintain their buildings and improve them for the years to come. Hopefully, the folks who own 614 Wharton St. will notice this example and follow the lead. The white vinyl look just isn’t doing it for us.