“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair”
Wonder what this simple little gem looked like in its heyday?
WTH Wednesday: Rapunzel’s Lair
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What part of town is this one located?
West side
Looks like a criminal enterprise. Else it belongs to someone who is not very friendly.
I’m terribly sorry, but the tone of this series has taken a terribly snarky tone over the past few months. I used to look forward to ‘WTH Wednesday,’ but now only catch it when I see it. This home looks like it belongs to someone who can’t afford to fix it or make it more accessible.
It should not be called out as an example of ‘WTH.’ Find a structure that has character and discuss that character. Find a structure that looks like it’s able to be fixed or repaired, not a structure looks like it belongs to someone who doesn’t have the resources or desire to fix it.
Sorry you feel that way, Abby.
In the words of Dr. Seuss:
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”
I respectfully disagree with you about the snark–the intent is not to be mean-spirited. This is meant to be light-hearted poking fun– at ourselves as a whole, (whether neighborhood, city, state or nationwide) for what has been done to historic structures over the years to alter the original look.
I’m asking people to consider: what do you think this looked like in its best state?
This building had character– why can’t we talk about it?
The biggest point of this series is that these alterations MATTER. These places matter. And if we can’t get them fixed (I know I can’t), then I can at least highlight what has happened to it. I’m not castigating individuals, I’m not calling people names, just standing up for some defenseless historic structures that have been mangled through the years…
Someone could certainly afford to remove the original windows and replace all the siding, hmmm?
Would you feel differently, Abby, if this was done by a landlord to bypass a building code requirement despite the fact it would deprive his desperate tenants of natural light forever?
No, I do not know the personal story of ownership lineage, financial circumstances or possible Seasonal Affectiveness Disorders, but I do know a muddling when I see it and this certainly applies
Carry on, WTH
If I had infinite resources, I’d restore all these muddled houses, apartment buildings, and commercial storefronts across town…and lure neighborhood businesses to away from these storefront “churches” and “used furniture” “storage area” businesses…
It isn’t but reminds me of the similar former Sons of Silence gang house on the west side right on West Michigan. You should check it out. Has slits on the bottom floor which used to really fascinate me as a kid.
With respect not sure this house ever was a gem per se. Had better days of course as did a lot of the old working class west side. Looks like maybe there is a step at the ground on that near wall? I actually wouldn’t be surprised to hear it had some break-ins at some point and so they removed some 1st floor access for pure safety reasons and put in the fence.