Before and After

I took this picture above back in 2013. I have to admit, I did not have much hope for it then. From what we can see from the exterior, the makeover looks remarkable. Some neighborhood boys thought the same as they saw me photographing the building. The detail that went into the railings was particularly a nice touch. It just leaves me to wonder, are satellite dishes really still that popular these days?

We are taking another look at the apartment buildings on Washington Street to see a final side by side comparison of the massive changes that have happened since they were rehabilitated. These buildings were in perpetual disrepair over the past 10+ years. For the past 3-4 years I have observed them they were vacant and covered in graffiti. In 2016 work began to completely overhaul the five buildings and now in 2017 all the units have been rented out except one. The sidewalks have been repaired with new tree plantings, applying City Planning streetscape standards and the interiors are modern with have historical characteristics.

As a corridor to Washington’s HQ, the changes here make this section of Washington Street a more inviting and pleasant block for residents and pedestrians alike. Undoubtedly projects of this scale require a lot of patience and money, but the results display the value of these buildings in the historic district.

A newly renovated building on Liberty Street is a fine example of the potential of Newburgh’s historic district. Two years ago this building was up for sale. Since then new business, Palate Wine and Spirits, has moved in, raising the bar of the Liberty Street corridor. The fake stone facade and aluminum siding was removed and replaced with historically accurate details and color scheme. Job well done, it looks beautiful!

Imagine if all the buildings on Liberty Street were restored the same way? One building at a time …