Covering Up What's Covered Up

Baltimore entrepreneur proposes photo treatment for boarded-up vacant houses.

1 minute read

June 22, 2004, 6:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


" Although every other dwelling on the street's west side is obviously vacant with windows and doors covered by plywood, the block's east side appears fully occupied because every home's windows and doors seemingly are intact. They are the pictures of urban stability. But upon second glance, in the cases of some homes on the east side of Asquith, that is all those windows and doors are - pictures.

Eight of the boarded-up homes project an illusion of occupancy thanks to life-sized photographs of windows and doors glued to the plywood by an entrepreneur who hopes to affix the faux finishes citywide...

However, the photographic images of windows and doors are meant to achieve something more, Coleman said - to 'let neighbors feel like they live in a neighborhood that's not as decayed as it is.'"

(Note: NYC did this in the 1970s with apartment buildings in the South Bronx)

Thanks to Richard Layman

Saturday, June 12, 2004 in The Baltimore Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog