By Carolyn Weber. Most people would have called in the bulldozers to raze this dilapidated bunch of early 20th-century shotgun houses. But a local banker, contractor, architect, and preservation group saw potential in the endangered historical structures and decided to preserve this fast-disappearing American home style and, at the same time, create some much-needed affordable rental housing for seniors.
| Photo: Stephen Skinner Before |
The style developed as a rural house form was later used on narrow, deep urban lots. The original site plan did not include parking. Two burned out houses were removed to provide space for vehicles and a sidewalk area for the new residents. The exteriors of the 24 units were completely renovated to reflect their original character, and the 600-square-foot interiors were updated with a new bedroom, bath, kitchen, and living areas. The homes rent for $350 to $400 per month.
| Photo: Stephen Skinner After |
Category: Adaptive Re-Use; Entrant/Architect/Land Planner: Archimania Architects, Memphis, Tenn.; Builder: Flinto Constructive Solutions, Memphis; Developer: Memphis Heritage, Memphis