From Greg:
I was just driving up Laurel Street into the neighborhood when I looked over to see that 809 and 811 West Cary Street were being demolished. These two long abandoned brick houses were in deplorable condition to be sure. But it’s always heartbreaking to see any homes in the neighborhood go, especially ones that are on our most prominent block and face of the neighborhood. Anyone have any details or information regarding this and or what may be in the works for this fairly sizable lot.
It is heartbreaking.
Here’s a shot from about an hour ago:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deadrichmond/3442761766/
You have to wonder if things would be different if our Councilperson Marty Jewell had moved forward with the re-zoning to Urban Business as the neighborhood association had repeatedly requested.
Damn, seeing this was a physical blow.
Here is Greg’s photo:
VCU student housing, to be sure.
I haven’t lived here long but it seems that re-zoning for Urban Business wouldn’t have done much good seeing that the old pharmacy is vacant, along with the “9/11 is joke” shop and the hardware store.
As much as I hate urban redevelopment, Oregon Hill needs some help. Hopefully not at the expense of the character of the neighborhood.
Urban Business has certain restrictions and nuances that might have encouraged the rehab of this property. Rezoning might have also might have jarred the owners out of neglect.
Many of us were hoping that the facades of the houses could have still been used even if the rest of the buildings had to be demolished. No matter how you cut it, this sucks.
This was purchased by ed.mamma zu and he had charlie demolish so he wouldn’t seem the bad guy…hahahaha…making the mighty buck..harvey hardware will be a restaurant.
I had heard word awhile back about Ed possible buying property from the Harveys. This makes sense. Hopefully the news about a restaurant at Harvey Hardware is accurate. Some, new commercial infill abutting the sidewalk at 809 & 811 would be highly desirable as well. I’m not sure how, but land and property value included both 809 & 811 were assessed below $200,000 for the both of them in Januuary of this year. That sort of blows my mind.
809 and 811 West Cary Street were built in the 1840’s. There goes some history.