Eyesore of the week

Property: Cherry Hill kiosk

Location: Grand Avenue south of Hilldale Street, Lansing

This small, notable kiosk stands at the western edge of the Cherry Hill neighborhood and its small, yet equally notable historic district.

The neighborhood was part of the city’s original plat. Such kiosks are often found in long established neighborhoods, particularly those in large cities, as a way of marking and celebrating individual neighborhoods. More recent mid-century subdivisions marked their limited entrances with similar, monumental signage.

To be fair, the kiosk itself isn’t an extreme eyesore and requires only a small amount of skilled care. The rotted wood base would benefit from consolidation and painting. Additionally, recent changes to the south-facing signage were executed by a presumably well-meaning individual.

Unfortunately, the resultant sloppy lettering and mismatched paint now serve as the neighborhood’s primary public sign. This faded marker illustrates the impact of illadvised work within historic districts. When work on historic resources is poorly considered and clumsily executed, the effect can be significant.

To remain vital, historic buildings simply must change. However, the historic commission can carefully direct that change to have minimal impact on the character defining features of its resources. This will benefit not only the buildings, and also the ‘sites, districts, structures,’ but even the smaller objects like the Cherry Hill kiosk.

— Daniel E. Bollman, AIA

“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 belinda@ lansingcitypulse.com.