Eyesore of the week

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: There is no denying that the public view of a building is important. It’s the reason that the greatest amount of aesthetic and monetary effort is put into the facade. But buildings visible from two streets — like 1407 Pontiac St. — are an opportunity to give attention to more than just the primary facade. Houses with a visible rear view are an opportunity for a lovely garden wall or a significant ancillary structure, such as a carriage house or granny flat.

Pennsylvania Avenue passersby get a glimpse of 1407 Pontiac to the west and are treated to a tarp, barren ground — except for some bottles — and a boarded-up shed. Some sort of outdoor cubby is filled with Styrofoam and insulation. The mostly brick home is accompanied by a bowed deck, broken windows and water bottles littering the yard.

This address is also one of five houses on Pontiac with “Unsafe. Do not occupy or enter.” stickers on the front door.

— Alyssa Gienapp

“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 Andy Balaskovitz at 999-5064.