Modern Model Pg. 28
The birth of urban house
On a quiet, unassuming street in Saginaw, MI, a small house sits weary, rundown, and completely unaware of its fate. Unlike other structures, which are being torn down, this house, which was found listed on Craigslist, will be gutted and rebuilt, painted, and gutted, and repainted.
The owner explained that the house, that began as a quick flip, became a problem after it was left unattended too long. All to quickly, the back door was kicked in, and villians made off with the heart and soul of the simple cottage -- the water heater, the plumbing and pipes, and anything that could be sold for scrap value, leaving holes in the walls, water damaged oak floors, and the owner with enough of a setback that he decided to wash his hands of the project.
During a walkthrough, as I looked at the open walls, I could see not only the potential of a future photography studio, but the potential of the building as an urban photoshoot location as it stood. When the owner offered to make repairs prior to the sale, I quickly pointed out that repairs would void the sale offer. The building was to be purchased as is. Period.
Main photo, urban house receives fresh paint and a security door upgrade. Inset photo, urban house before purchase. Photos (c) Brian Thornton
Getting electrical service restored proved to be the first restoration obstacle. Photo (c) Brian Thornton
The lack of appliances and fixtures in the kitchen provide both obstacle and opportunity, allowing a conversion to a modern makeup station. Photo (c) Brian Thornton