Preservation Potentials: 159 Franklin Street

UPDATE JUNE 2013: CURRENTLY OFF MARKET

Attention: Victorian House Lovers, Steampunks, Anglophiles, and fellow appreciators of all things antique! I'm not sure old-house hunters outside the immediate area realize the unique architectural offerings Woodbury, NJ has in store. In some cases these houses will require a little creativity to restore them to their former glory, but most will have retained a large semblance of the magnificent days of English-inspired American architecture, for a fraction of the cost found in other areas.

Today's featured house is a 4 bedroom, 1 bath, well maintained place with a big backyard. It features a closed in heated porch, which I don't particularly see as a plus, as personally prefer an original open porch detail, but some people like the extra year round room it provides. Built circa 1900, this Victorian era home was most likely originally finished in a Stick style and although the siding has been updated and the porch closed in, it still retains some of its original charm. It even appears as if most of the original interior details have remained intact, albeit painted (see photo). Offered at $85,000 $75,000, the house is conveniently located near the quickly revitalizing downtown area. See more photos and the full listing: HERE.

It is my opinion that reviving a once grand city is a community effort that largely starts at home. Vested homeowners that value the history and heritage of their house and who treat their home as an extension of the family and not just some place to crash, can and do make a difference. Preserve the past, to better the future!