Archive for August, 2010

Many urban neighborhoods have a need for infill construction, where homes that were lost to deterioration or other reasons must be replaced.  Here in Irvington we have a unique case where a gas explosion in 2004 eliminated three houses instantly and blew out windows in a one-block radius. (images from kipar-one here)

One house disappeared and the two adjacent were condemned

In an explosion this bad, we are lucky that nobody died.  It’s actually a fun conversation topic to ask people in the neighborhood, I’ve heard several variants from “slept right through it” to “the coldest nights of my life, took a week to replace the windows.”

Just this summer, the last destroyed house was replaced.  The first one, at the corner plot, did not leave anyone thrilled.  The second one was a solid infill project.  And happily, fate saved the best for last – a two story traditional American home that is perfect for the neighborhood.

The new corner duplex uses traditional materials but does not address the street as well

A new home that matches the original in massing and style

The new blue house is a great addition to the street

All homes featured were built after the approval of the historic district status, but I think the quality is improving because developers are now aware that poor designs are much less likely to be approved.  I believe that historic development requirements can have a good impact on neighborhood development, and I’m glad that it remains an option here in Indiana.

Sunday, August 22 is World Kitchen Garden Day! It’s a perfect time to haul in some produce from a backyard garden and cook up something worthy of this great holiday.

My wife and I installed a garden in the backyard this year, I have come to love it wholeheartedly.   Our garden has been one of the best experiences of my adult life.  Nothing is more satisfying than grabbing a fresh cucumber off the vine when I come home from work, then immediately chopping it up and making a salad for dinner. I have been eating healthier, having more fun, spending more time with my wife and less time in front of the TV, and paying less for groceries.

Seriously, growing your own food is something that everyone who eats should try out at least once.  Gardening is a simple and easy thing to do (so easy a caveman could do it!).  Actually, agriculture began almost 10,000 years ago and made human civilization possible.  Small plots are a fun way to pay tribute to our ancestors, while creating a more sustainable future for our descendants.

And the quality of the food is unbelievable. The fresh ingredients easily surpass anything you might find in a restaurant.  Try it out, and you too will know the pleasures of small-scale gardening.  It may be too late in the season to start a garden this year, but make a resolution to grow some of your own food next year!  Here are some photos from my garden construction to give you some ideas:

NOTE:  if anyone is interested in using rainwater for potable uses (such as gardening), please consult the Texas Rainwater Harvesting manual to ensure the water is clean and safe.