Owner: Ingham County Land Bank Fast Track Authority
Taxpayers: none
Assessed: $0
Owner says: Could not be reached for comment

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: This house is a traditional two-story Lansing home from the early 20th century that features a classic urban porch. It is clear that at one time, the porch at 835 was quite handsome. Porch upkeep is important because they are exposed to the elements and everyday wear and tear. A well-cared-for porch can be a very beautiful element of a home.

No word on when this property might get either torn down or rehabilitated, but it has been boardedup and empty for as long as we can remember.

It’s a shame that the house is uninhabitable because, as Harell-Seyburn says above, it has quite a nice porch. This house is located just over the hill from a pleasant view of downtown Lansing, and one could imagine a nice summer’s evening sitting there watching the traffic go by and people having a good time at Art’s Bar down the street.

A lesson on porch maintenance by Amanda Harrell-Seyburn:

Porches are an incredible asset to any home, particularly front porches in urban neighborhoods. Porches experience all the elements particularly in Michigan where extreme weather including freeze/thaw and rain can adversely affect the life a wood porch. Over the lifetime of a house, a porch may need to be replaced several times. Maintenance and replacement are always preferable to removal. If the original house design included a porch and the porch is removed, the house will never look quite right. It is like a face that has had it's nose removed.

Wood porch maintenance includes:

1. Inspect routinely for broken or cracked boards/supports, loose railings and/or steps, sinking or crooked posts, mildew, moss, dirt, and excess water.

2. Wood Rot: Keep an eye out for rotted boards. Immediately replace individual boards that have rot. If the rot is extensive it is advisable to replace the entire porch.

3. Protect: Safeguard porch from water, moisture, and ultraviolet rays.
    - Use a protective finish. Porch decking experiences the most damage from rain, snow, ice, and foot traffic. It is important to re-coat high traffic areas of the porch with a protective finish yearly to extend the life of the porch.
    - Keep sprinkler systems from directly depositing water routinely on the porch.

4. If porch requires structural work, use a licensed and insured contractor to do the work. If you intend to change the structure or design of the porch it is best to use an architect who can ensure that the changes will complement the structure, design, and character of the house.

DO: Use and enjoy porches daily.  Practice routine maintenance of porches and inspect your porch regularly. In Michigan it is best to inspect (at the minimum) your porch at the end of each season.
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DON'T: Remove a porch from a house if the original house design included a porch. If the porch is removed the house will never look quite right.

“Eyesore of the Week" is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Neal McNamara at 371-5600 ex. 17.