31. Blight to Delight Example

The 1920's had Sears and Roebuck selling pre-cut home packages. Sears was the most famous pre-cut home assembly retailer. There were some large manufacturers whose names have receded into history. Industrial housing, mining camp housing, middle class and upscale house assemblies were shipped in railroad boxcars to destination sidings. These component houses are sometimes referred to by architecture historians as "siding" houses. Sharon, PA has examples of siding houses sprinkled throughout the City. They might be blighted and abandoned or not. That blighted and abandoned house might be a gem in the raw. Should it be rehabilitated? Should it be relocated and rehabilitated? Interior woodwork, pocket doors between living room and dining room, surviving light fixtures, doors and hardware, plumbing fixtures often make old houses appealing. Is there anything more appealing for an interior living space than 9 foot ceilings? The ambience of one foot cannot be overstated! Here is a particular style that has survived and been maintained for 90 years. The same style, sadly, often has not been cared for but awaits rehab. The Pennsylvania Blighted and Abandoned Property Conservatorship Act is an underused avenue for energetic persons to bring properties back to life