October 3, 2007
Westham’s Newest Pop-a-Top
One of the newer real estate trends we are seeing in the Richmond area is the "pop-a-top" on older smaller homes, which happen to be in highly desirable locations. Here’s one I have just listed on Woodberry Road in the heart of Westham. Before you see what this property originally was (yeah, you’re going to have to read the whole post first), let me tell you about 805 Woodberry Road.
This is the 2nd property by Side Porch Properties LLC that I have had the pleasure of handling for them. Boy, these guys do nice work! Besides the second floor (i.e., the top that was popped), a huge 2 story addition was added off the Rear Elevation. Of course, pop-a-tops only work in areas where the lots are large enough to handle the additions. Usually these lots are in neighborhoods developed in 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s, before developers starting squeezing every possible building lot out of a parcel of land. Additionally, these lots are closer to Downtown Richmond due to their earlier development.
Rather than a lengthy post, I will tell you that Side Porch Properties LLC loads their properties with what I call LTTDs (i.e., Little Things They Do) that just make a property. An example of a LTTD on 805 Woodberry Road - instead of popping the top on the original structure, Side Porch raised the ceiling heights on the first floor to 9 feet rather than the original 8 feet. To see all their LTTDs, take the Visual Tour found here. This was no renovation, it was a transformation.
Since the property is vacant, it is a very easy show. Just call me at 804.301.7598 and I’ll be glad to meet you there.
So what did Side Porch Properties start with? Amazing, huh?
Sam Perry said,
October 6, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Hi Brick: Thanks for the e-mail. This is a great transformation! Westham may have more pop-tops than any subdivisions in the area. I have been watching them for the last ten years. You may or may not know that I do renovations also and do about a dozen a year. Last year I did exactly 12. Most of mine are in a lower price range. However, I use upscale kitchens and baths and usually add a bath where ever possible because that’s what sells the houses. A few of my more expensive renovations were #2 River Road, 509 Sleepy Hollow Road and #1 Canterbury Road. I like your website and blog and will read your blog in the future. You are right on your September blog regarding foreclosures and the RTD! The slow down has actually helped my business. I had 7 sales last month. By the way , I grew up in Westham and lived a 208 Wood Road. I also delivered newspapers in Westham and Spotswood Park on my bicycle. ‘Have lived in the westend all my life close to Westham. I used to ride the streetcar (trolly) to and from TJ High School. I would walk from the end of the trolly line at UofR to our home on Wood Road. I am somewhat of a Richmond historian so if you ever need any info you cann’t find elsewhere or have questions on real estate call me. I look forward to reading your blog. Sam