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.

There isn't a perfect example of in intact, preserved Victorian. Folks have added on, replaced the rot, and lived here.


Ugh.


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.


This is the view if you are heading north. Capitol View Elementary School now closed is on the left of this picture.


When you hear 100-year-old-Victorian, you imagine a preserved gingerbread masterpiece built for the gentry. It's not that kind of Victorian.


As you get close you can see the wear, tear, and repair of the decades.


Getting close enough to see the smoke line is a heart breaker to Architecture Tourists and everybody else.


There's a non-Victorian wing to the south.


The half-moon widow in on the rear of the south addition. The rear (east) side addition looks sturdy and practical.


Some joists and stud walls don't look too bad. I'd worry about the roof structure.


It remains a mighty handsome place. At 45 mph you won't notice the scars.


But you'll certainly enjoy the roof.


Park on Deckner where it T-bones Metropolitan from the west.


You'll be rewarded with  "Young Americans" by Sheila Pree Bright, one of my favorites for Living Walls, 2012.

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