House of the week: Fixer-upper on Banks Street

I always feel a little forlorn when I see a classic New Orleans home in a sad state of repair. Peeling paint, trailing ivy tearing up the siding, rusting wrought-iron ... all signs that either the homeowner couldn't afford to maintain the property or just didn't care. Sometimes, like with this particular house, the environs are dotted with unfortunately-ugly retail establishments and empty lots. It's depressing.

Recently listed, this house on Banks Street is not located in the best area. It's really close to busy Broad Street in a neighborhood that has seen better days, but the house is quite beautiful no matter how dilapidated it has become. There's excellent architectural details around the door, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweet front porch. I bet the ceiling is at least 12 feet high and (hopefully) there are original hardwood floors inside. I really hope someone finds the time and the money to fix up this old beauty. I also hope they don't renovate out all of it's charm. It's listed at $180,000 for almost 2,000 square feet. Here's hoping there's someone out there who will love it as much as it deserves...