Got big plans for Saturday night? These 6 Victorian-era Second Ward rowhouses will be parading down 8 blocks of Garrow St. past Settegast Park east of Downtown to new spots further east, in time to escape the construction of some impending townhomes on their longtime lots. The move was originally scheduled for early last week, but was postponed because of a damaged utility pole discovered along the route. (It was also kinda cold.)
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For one more night then, the rowhouses will be hanging out at Garrow and St. Charles St., jacked up on steel supports next to Olshan Lumber, where they formed part of an 1890-ish development once called Lubbock Grove. In their honor, the new owners of the homes will be naming their destination on the block south of Garrow between Sampson and York Lubbock Grove as well.
The destination lots surround the old Fire Station 2 at 319 Sampson and Preston, one block north of the coming East End rail line along Harrisburg, which local architecture firm Janusz Design and Fretz Construction are renovating for Michael Skelly and Anne Whitlock. The rowhouses will replace some less-well-preserved houses on the lots surrounding the Fire Station, forming a quasi-historical set piece. The move, orchestrated by Fretz and Cherry House Moving, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Streva Construction will handle the restoration of the homes after that.
Photos: Janusz Design
These shacks will be moved and restored. It is quite incredible compared to so many fine structures of housing that are being demolished daily.
This is great news! For the homes and for that fire station. So cool… :)
Thanks to all the folk involved in making this happen. I will drive over to the site to see the ‘before’ appearance. Bet it ends up lovely and practical.
Whats the history of these rowhouses? Thanks
Should haul them to the dump where they belong.
I grew up in one of the houses, and my grandmother (and my dad and his 5 brothers and sisters) grew up in the house that is in the first picture. I think my great grandmother grew up there as well. I think it’s terrific that they are being restored – makes me excited to see the end result.