Dr. Eugene is off having some emergency affliction tended to and it just so happens I chanced upon this beauty just yesterday along 10th Street. Nothing about this structure makes sense to me. Clearly, an architect was never involved. Anyone know what goes on here? Whatever the case, I’m guessing it doesn’t smell good in there. Next time, I’ll have to satisfy my curiosity about the slanted back side of this. Seriously, WTH?
Ummm, that’s absolutely terrifying.
Easy. It’s a meth lab.
Probably was originally built as a rectangular frame structure (before 1910) that had seen better days prior to either the late 60s or early 70s. Wanting to update the building’s appearance, the owner might have searched around looking for alternatives that fit within some particular budget. Somebody must have known someone, who dated someone, who had a third cousin who dealt in discounted building materials, and a deal was struck.
Now, this discounter didn’t have enough materials to rework this structure completely, so he talked his way into what one sees today. Enough mismatched brick for the first floor (sorry, but windows would be “extra”), and since I have some (really) overstocked roofing materials, we can give the second floor and roof the same treatement, sort of/kind of mimicking a Dutch roof look that is popular just now (in the late 60s/early 70s).
And, voila!, a WTH Wednesday masterpiece just for you, Tiffany.
I’ve passed this building on my way to and from work for over 40 years. I’m amazed it’s still standing. As far as I can recall, it was just an ordinary delapidated storefront, then someone in the neighborhood was contracted to cover it over in stone. I think at one time it was either a “private” club/tavern or the hangout for a motorcycle gang. On one occasion or another, the property has had “For Sale” signs on it, but I’ve not seen any evidence of activity there for many years. As far as I can tell, it is vacant. I suppose I could/should ask and get back with you later.
A block or two farther west on 10th, there is a small neighborhood church which also has had a lot of exterior brick work added. Then another storefront became a church, eventually being covered in “stucco” and growing into a neighborhood center. Maybe there is a connection to the people who did the work on all three places who could tell you more.
This reminds me of a house in the Holy Cross neighborhood that I’d love to learn more about. Many people fondly refer to it as the ‘rottweiler house,’ located on Marlowe Ave. Aside from the three lovely (plastic) statues of dogs on the brick fence, there is a small home with a not-so-traditional addition. There appears to be a very old log cabin that was possibly relocated to the home. I’d love to see it included in a future What the Hell Wednesday post 🙂
Kris Davidson- send a photo/ photos in and we just may feature it!
I would be happy to. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
I was just past the site for this building. As of today it is no more, demolished into crumbs and taken away. I did ask about it earlier, but no one could remember exactly when it was last inhabited. Someone thought it was a restaurant at one time. Speaking of which, in the late 70’s there was a small storefront restaurant at the vicinity of 10th and Tibbs called, I kid you not, “Aunt Mable’s Tallywacker.” That little building was torn down and replaced with a brick structure placed diagonally on the NE corner of 10th and Tibbs. One side had a beauty supply store, I think, while the other half was “Aunt Mable’s Tallywacker,” complete with large lighted signage in yellow script. It was had a red brick facade. Later, it was torn down and replaced with the presnt building, now a pawn shop, formerly a drug store.
““` My initial thought: “Crack house meets crazy cat-collecting old lady.”