This article discusses a wood-frame duplex structure located in Cincinnati. The author finds it to be their favorite wood-frame structure in the city due to its Second Empire-style design, mansard roof, lace-like woodwork on its porches, horizontal banding, and detailed chimneys.
Upon close study of the building’s details, the author believes that it was originally built in the early-to-mid 19th Century as a single-family residence in the vernacular Greek Revival style. Later in the 19th Century, the building was extended with a front addition, resulting in its present appearance, with the original house still visible at the rear of the property.
Although occupied until recently, the duplex now appears to be vacant and open to vandals and vagrants who have left one of the front doors wide open, thus endangering the structure. As one of the few surviving examples of wood-frame Second Empire architecture in Cincinnati, this building is a key historical resource that should be preserved, especially since many other historic structures in the same area were lost to the Lick Run Project. However, the author fears that the building’s location, disinvestment, lack of care from the owners, and vandalism may jeopardize its chances of preservation.
Overall, the author argues for the importance of preserving this building as a part of Cincinnati’s architectural heritage. They note that its unique design and historical significance make it a valuable resource, and failure to protect it may result in its loss forever.