Eye sore of the week

Assessed value: $29,200

Owner: Kerstin Hunt

Owner says: Could not be reached for comment

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: Left unsecured, an exposed roof is a death sentence to any building. The roof is the first line of defense against wind, rain and snow — not to mention sleet. It doesn’t matter how well maintained the rest of the structure is, everything else will be compromised. A secure roof is especially vital to the survival of an unoccupied house. With its repetition of a form- repeated gable in the main façade, the smaller front addition, elegant doors and shingle siding, this house is worth the effort. Hopefully, it will receive the roof repairs it so desperately needs. Fingers crossed.

Having a blue and yellow paint job — albeit woefully faded — instantly makes this house an eyesore in Spartan country. It’s difficult to tell what the surface of the front porch is made of. Is it carpet? Is it moss? It’s most likely a gross combination of the two. The roof appears to be in a stasis of repair — it’s entirely covered in blue tarps. If the hole-filled roof in the garage and the ruptured edges of siding are any indication of the roof’s status, it can’t be good. The house next door is for sale with a sign that reads: “Cute, cute, cute.” If one were to put a sign in front of this house it would say: “Run, run, run.”

“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.