Changes May 23, 2007

This isn’t really news from Room 206–it’s news from the homefront.

Things are noisy, dusty and chaotic around here these days. As some of you know, three houses on two sides of us are being demolished to be replaced with “townhomes.” Don’t get me started on the destruction of perfectly usable, and beautiful, old homes in favor of what’s replacing them. Just don’t.

That said, however, it has been a fascinating show. I’ll admit to that. The most fascinating and bizarre act was last weekend, when one of the houses was saved from razing (yay!) and moved to a site about four blocks up the street. About a hundred people turned out at 3AM to accompany it to its new home. Here are a few pictures, click the thumbnails for a larger image.

The house ready for moving. There had been several days of digging, raising, reinforcing and other preparation. That’s our yellow house in the background.

The house was “skated” over to the now vacant lot next door. This way the rockery on the corner could be left intact.

Sliding complete. It took about an hour…a few feet at a time. It was an amazing operation, and surprisingly quiet.

Hooking up the truck that will tow the house.

Three o’clock Sunday morning…ready to roll.

And it’s off!

Pulling out onto Phinney Avenue.

About a hundred people turned out to watch. There were some 15 official vehicles, including crews from various utilities that were there to disconnect cables, streetlights etc. to make room overhead.

Around the bend by Red Mill Burgers and Starbucks, which won’t open for another three hours.

Going down a slight hill.

Looked like about three inches to spare.

The last corner was the tightest.

Going up Palatine Avenue.

Back at our house, it looked like this.