Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Wrecking Cincinnati, 1/21/09

1120 Beech Avenue, West Price Hill
Three-family
DOB: 1880s
Died: December 2008
Cause of death: Failing structural elements and decay of exterior siding, cornices, roof and porches.

Problems with the house date back to at least 2002, and enforcement was stepped up following the Neighborhood Enhancement Program in 2007. It was finally condemned in September 2008.

Long targeted by Price Hill Will, they finally made the purchase from the absentee owners in December for $8,750. Price Hill Will determined that it would be far too costly to try to save the building, given their tight resources.

This Queen Anne-style house, and the adjacent 1128 Beech Avenue, have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since February, 1979. The property was once the home of J. Alfred Schehl, famous organist and songwriter.