Eyesore of the week

Property: 722 N. Chestnut St., Lansing

Owner: Ingham County Land Bank

Assessed value: $0

Owner says: Future is uncertain

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: One glance at 722 Chestnut and it’s clear that one of its character-defining features is a large front gable dormer stationed prominently on the roof. Gables are clever architectural features that increase light and useable space to an attic or loft area. Sure, houses look good without a dormer — but it gives the building height, mass and an eye-catching feature that breaks up an expanse of dark shingles. Simple fact: Dormers make houses look more impressive.

X normally marks the spot for buried treasure, but in this case X marks the spot where no one wants to live. To use the words “big” and “red” when describing this house is an insult to the chewing gum. Red vertical paneling covers the first story, along with plenty of sealed up windows, while the second floor is encased in wooden shingles that look like big wood chips. The house sits amid a sea of shin-high grass and plants, some of which almost reach up to the roof.

Eric Schertzing, chairman of the Ingham County Land Bank, says this house was foreclosed on for taxeslast year and didn’t sell at auction. For now, “That property is at a standstill,” he said.

“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.