This is the alley side of 1607 New Jersey Avenue, NW. I’ve been told by one citizen living on this block that he’s fearful when walking by this building because it looks like it is going to topple over at any moment. It’s got missing bricks at the base on the alley. It bows out. Its got some pretty wicked looking cracks and I think that upper window is broken.
Well I took a look on the property tax database and 1607 is owned by Arvid W Broadus who is receiving the Senior Citizen Homestead Deduction. Mr. Broadus is dead. According to the Social Security Death Index he died last year 16 Jan 2009 (born 30 Sep 1919) and unfortunately he didn’t make it to his 90 birthday. Unfortunately for us, and anyone walking by this structure, it hasn’t turned over to the living.
ADDITION- Apparently people still read this blog, even journalists. It appears Channel 7 did a story on this house.
4 thoughts on “Death, taxes and a building that’s gonna fall”
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Stuck in probate?
I ran into 2 of Mr. Broadus' daughters about 9 months ago who were trying to get the place ready to sell. No sign ever went up though and I haven't seen anyone at the property since then.
yep … Mr. Broadus was a great guy and we all miss him. His daughter almost lost the building as they had not made the appropriate tax payments they past couple of years; unfortunately, they caught wind of this and paid the taxes before the house could be auctioned off. She had told me that they were doing some renovations to the interior so they could put it up for sale, but it seems as if they never followed through. The place has been in pretty bad shape for a while now as Mr. B was in no shape to take care of the place properly, nor did his daughter drop in that much to help. A neighbor and I would help him with his yard work from time as he really couldn’t get around very well near the end. I haven’t seen the rear of the house before, but I did notice a few weeks ago that the upstairs window to the attic finally fell out. I feel for the neighbors as it's certainly not being kept up very well and without the old tree they cut down, it’s a pretty rough looking house to behold.
Can someone get us in contact with Mr Boadus daughter, We would like to buy this house as is we love the area, we can pay a referral fee for your trouble. Howard 202-438-0903 Thank You