Monday, February 18, 2013

Let's Help Save This Capital View 1903 Victorian Damaged by Fire

It's hard to tell from the street. After 109 years it burned on February 8, 2013. It's at 1474 Metropolitan Parkway at the intersection of Deckner (see the map below). In fact this is the a Deckner House in the Capital View Neighborhood.

Thanks to Pitgrrrl for this, more in the comments: "Hi Terry, thanks for this post! This is actually not THE Deckner house, but it is one of them. The Deckner house is located next door to this one at 1488 Metropolitan Pkwy SW and it was built in 1870, by Charles Deckner..," more in the comments below.


This heroic red roof and curvy porch are welcome landmarks on the mostly grim Metropolitan Parkway, Highway 41 south of the Dome. It's a sign of life, history, and hope for this part of Atlanta.

The Creatives Project was in the process of buying the place, turning it into an art and cultural center: The HeArt House. They are still determined to do it. You can help:
  1. Get the word out. Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Emails.
  2. Find out about the The Creatives Project, one of many great things in Atlanta. It's easy on Twitter @creativespro @theHeARThouse and Facebook.
  3. Help them out if you can.
  4. Visit the house and Capital View in person. I'll go with you and we can explore Pittsburgh, Avery Park, Sylvan Hills, Hapeville, and the BeltLine while we're at it.


P1160409-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-rear-wing
There isn't a perfect example of in intact, preserved Victorian. Folks have added on, replaced the rot, and lived here.

P1160410-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-roof-holes
Ugh.

P1160413-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-across-the-street
This is the view west from the front steps.

These few blocks of Metropolitan are the handsome, somewhat weary public face of Capital View whose quiet streets and parks lie mostly west of Metropolitan.

P1160417-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-Capitol-View-Elementary-School
This is the view if you are heading north. Capitol View Elementary School now closed is on the left of this picture.

P1160403-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-detail
When you hear 100-year-old-Victorian, you imagine a preserved gingerbread masterpiece built for the gentry. It's not that kind of Victorian.

P1160404-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-front-door
As you get close you can see the wear, tear, and repair of the decades.

P1160404-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-porch-smoke-line
Getting close enough to see the smoke line is a heart breaker to Architecture Tourists and everybody else.

P1160405-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-Porch-south-addition
There's a non-Victorian wing to the south.

P1160408-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-rear-wing
The half-moon widow in on the rear of the south addition. The rear (east) side addition looks sturdy and practical.

P1160411-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-ceilings
Some joists and stud walls don't look too bad. I'd worry about the roof structure.

P1160416-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-north-gable
It remains a mighty handsome place. At 45 mph you won't notice the scars.

P1160405-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-Capital-View-The-Creatives-Project-Porch-room-chimney
But you'll certainly enjoy the roof.

P1160399-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-The-Creatives-Project-Sheila-Pree-Bright
Park on Deckner where it T-bones Metropolitan from the west.

P1160418-2013-02-12-1474-Metropolitan-Parkway-burndown-The-Collective-Project-Sheila-Pree-Bright-Deckner-Mural-detail
You'll be rewarded with  "Young Americans" by Sheila Pree Bright, one of my favorites for Living Walls, 2012.

Find your way:

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9 comments:

  1. This house is really amazing, I think it will sold very quickly. School Sports Tours

    ReplyDelete
  2. An imρrеssive share! I've just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your web site.
    Also see my site: discuss

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a nice house. People just need to understand that anything can be repaired and restored. Unfortunately most contractors will try to convince them to tear it down and rebuild. So sad!
    Ken

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  4. Appears that it have been partially engulfed by fire, but at least it remains intact and ready again for renovation and repair.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Interesting post! What is known about Charles Deckner?

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  6. Nice work .Thanks for the share. Keep up writing so that we can get more informative blogs like this one.
    Ming green marble Mosaic

    ReplyDelete
  7. it is mother of bride dresses frequently referred to as the closet or dustbin of ones horoscope since it is in this house where we tend to sweep away or hide problems which are often too painful to face or difficulties that we refuse to acknowledge ... sometimes it can be a very creative area of the natal horoscope and can reflect ones aptitude for art, music, dancing, writing or acting ...

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  8. The Deckner house has been firmly standing there for more than a century. It's no wonder it's one of the famous establishments in the Metropolitan Parkway. The plan of restoring it and turning it into an art and cultural center was indeed wonderful. Structures like this is the town's treasure, so it's nice that there are individuals and groups who are making an effort to preserve it. I hope that they succeed on this project. I can't wait to see the house to get back from it's original state.

    Nelson Mcglaughlin @ Royal Roofing & Siding

    ReplyDelete

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