by Bob Davalina
The forward trend of revitalization of homes and buildings in Brownsville, Texas continues. The focus has been mainly centered on downtown proper where the buildings have a story to tell with local or state historical markers. Only a few blocks away, and on the other side of Palm Blvd historically known as West Brownsville, are a few small seemingly insignificant homes that are becoming more noticeable as residents begin to beautify them.
This late '20s or early 1930s aprtment building near 1st St. is a real eye-catcher. No time was spent to gather any information about these homes. Some are may be finished properties and some are in progress of being completed. Some homes I saw were radically altered from their original look while others seem true to form. I'll allow you to critique or point out any shortcomings in comments if you like. I just wanted to share a few photos from a very small section of town.
The main regret about seeing any old neighborhood you were raised in might be the presence of fenced yards, especially on a corner lot. Some homes have bars on windows or steel shutters which are also the result of crime rising over time. Other than that, these homes seem to have the original beauty that sets them apart from their neighboring homes.
This home was renovated and is now a rental home. The resident took an interest in what I was doing while another man approached me and asked what I was doing taking pictures of homes on his block. I let him know I was only interested in the old houses and didn't work for city or county tax departments to relieve the apprehension he was probably experiencing.
I find these concrete strip driveways very appealing.
Flanked by two towering trees, this small home has a lot of charm and is a reminder of the home I was raised in.
I like the fence -- it gives it a rural country look doesn't it?
This corner home is my favorite. If I was an old man, and I pretty much am, I wouldn't mind spending a few late afternoons or evenings sitting on a rocking chair on that porch. I think of it as the "American Dream" because of the white picket fence.
