In Point Breeze, there are blocks that have stood the test of time, and there are others that have almost completely disintegrated. The 1300 block of Chadwick Street is one example of the latter, with over half of the block overtaken by vacant land. If, however, the twelve new homes that have been proposed for this street are approved, the tide will be permanently turned for this particular block.

Today, we consider the 1300 block of Dorrance Street, a block that’s in similar condition. Only a few homes dot this block, and some of them are vacant.

Lots of vacancy

Guessing nobody lives here

We were passing by this block the other day and noticed two new foundations in process. According to the L&I Map, two single family homes will soon rise at 1317 and 1327 S. Dorrance St., and each will be three stories tall. Washington Group LLC is the developer, having purchased these lots in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

1327 S. Dorrance formwork

1317 S. Dorrance, looking from the south

It seems possible that a few more homes might spring up on this block in the near future, as a couple of vacant lots have changed hands in recent years. On the other hand, five lots are in the hands of City agencies, and another four belong to the Gospel Temple Baptist Church at 19th & Earp. And until the City hands those lots over and the church either sells or builds, this block will continue to be hamstrung by a ton of vacant land.

But the two homes that are currently in process will certainly be a nice start to the block’s transformation.