BY DEREK HARDIN
Independent Staff Writer

Newspapers dating 1928 were withdrawn from walls inside the home at I 11 Wolf Avenue during a recant renovation project of the once-condemned building. Coupled with old rags, the papers were used for home insulation, covered as if by blanket with words and pictures from a bygone era

The residence was condemned two years ago by Montgomery County officials because of severe water damage to the home's interior caused by a faulty plumbing system. As a result, the home was left vacant and untended, creating as local eyesore and threatening neighboring property values.

Chris and Larry Stewart live on Walnut Street, near the old home. They decided To renovate this old home in order to maintain current property values and increase the neighborhood's aesthetic quality.

The Stewarts had been requesting the right to purchase the old for two years before they finally acquired the property through a land contract late last February. With the intention of renovating and reselling the house, the: Stewarts were able to get their project underway.

Chris claims that she and her husband have spent nearly every day since February at the home, stripping and painting walls while adding new electrical wiring, floors and light fixtures.

Friends, relatives and neighbors have volunteered their time to help the Stewarts with the renovation, with some of them expressing interest in possibly purchasing the home.

The Stewarts have also installed a new plumbing system and water heater to make the house more livable.

Chris states that she and her husband view the renovation as a worthy project helping to preserve Englewood's historical identity, while giving neighboring property values a boost. She believes that other people should consider making an effort at preserving aging buildings within the community.

"If people would take these old houses and fix them up, it sure would improve our neighborhood and the school system and it would keep property values up, commented Chris.

She and Larry purchased the home at a relatively low cost and, in turn, plan to sell it for a reasonable price. They will hold an open house

this Sunday at the home from 1 4 p.m. for neighbors, friends and interested buyers.

According to Chris, all major renovations to the home have been completed with the exception of painting a final section of the exterior and paving a new driveway.

The Stewarts have achieved their main goal, however, which was to become involved in a renovation project, which, at the same time, helped to preserve some of the history and beauty of the city of Englewood.