Our first visit to the 1500 block of N. 16th St. came several years ago, when we discovered a stucco box apartment building filling a vacant lot next to an architectural gem. We were cheered back in 2014 when we learned that a larger apartment building was under construction next door, blocking views of the aforementioned stucco box. While the new architecture doesn't hold even a faint candle to the old, the block has seen some serious infill in the last few years.
Today we direct your attention to 1511 N. 16th St., the amazing Victorian mansion that's currently home to the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. This building has been used for student housing for many years, but may retain some of its original interior architectural details. About ten years ago, the property was listed for sale with this amazing description:
"This 1879 Grand Victorian Brownstone Is Filled With Old World Charm.This Home Is Unequivocally Loaded With All Sorts Of English Charm. The Kitchen Is In A Full Size Gourmet Style Setup With A Full Bath For The Staff. Oh Yeah Did I Tell You It Also Comes Fully Equipped With A Working Fireplace. Yeah That Makes Two Fire Places On One Floor No Need To Use Your Money On Oil-All You Need Is Firewood.Oh Yeah Did I Tell You That There Is A Fireplace In The Library As Well. Oh Yeah,I Forgot To Tell You About That Grand Old Library That Can Be Used As An Office Or Study. Wow This House Really Has Great Potential-Just Think About It -The Proximity To The Art Mueseum Is Less Than 1 Mile.The Lot Next Door And Behind Is Included As Well. This Is A Great Opportunity For Condo's Etc. Coming Soon Open House And Refreshments Will Be Served Soo Stay Tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
So, yeah.
But we don't just bring this property to your attention to mock a listing from ten years ago. We also want to share that it's currently listed for sale for $1.3M. While it's an attractive asset, with a long term lease with the frat and having been renovated in 2014, we'd think the asking price has something to do with the fact that the property is enormous, zoned for multi-family use, and runs street to street. Currently, there's an awesome blighted building in the backyard.
We'd imagine that this structure will just get demolished in favor of apartments when the property turns over, which would be unfortunate. With a full renovation, this building would make for a sweet little house. And if you lived there, you'd always know that you could knock on the neighbor's door for a cup of sugar. Or a keg of Beast, as the case may be.