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Vacant Homes Find New Life

March 9th, 2010 by Kyra Deblaker-Gebhard · 4 Comments · Capitol Hill South

The District is filled with vacant homes. Some are constant eyesores, while others find new life—as places of business, condominiums, or simply new homes. For the residents of 11th Street SE, two very famous vacant Hill homes will soon find new life as high-end, single family homes when business partners JD Schmidt and Jesse Connell of Connell & Schmidt Builders begin construction on the homes at 221 and 223 11th Street SE.

In mid-March, crews will begin to restore each home’s façade and rebuild each home’s interior—from frame to floors and everything in between.  But don’t think Schmidt and Connell will forget each home’s past.

“The homes will feature an open concept main floor, gourmet kitchen and large master suite,” said Schmidt,  but will be more traditional in terms of design, with “nice moldings, transom lights above the doors, wood floors and marble bathrooms.”

Connell and Schmidt, who met in Wellesley, MA restoring historic properties, started Connell & Schmidt Builders six years ago.

“Our involvement in this profession stems from our interest and passion for building things that last,” said Schmidt, who is originally from the DC area and attended Gonzaga High School. “We believe it is our responsibility to be good stewards with the things we have been given before we pass it on to the next person.”

The pair hope to complete the first home by mid-June.

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  • R

    As a homeowner adjacent to a property that Connell and Schmidt recently refurbished, I can not emphasis how good they are at minimizing the impact of their activities, communicating with neighbors and generally be really good guys with a good team.

    I just want the neighbors adjacent to these houses and on the block know that they are lucky to have JD and Jesse taking on these projects.

  • JH

    I moved into the 900 block of C Street, NE in 1985 and at that time that huge house on the NE corner of 10th and C was only partially occupied. Within two years it became the boarded up, neglected eyesore it remains today. What can’t the city force owners to improve or lose.

  • Kyra Deblaker-Gebhard

    JH-

    It’s my understanding that the city charges a vacant home tax rate for such homes, however, there appear to be loop holes that owners of vacant properties can use to avoid paying taxes.

    Homeowners near the homes on 11th Street were able to get the vacant home tax rate applied to the two homes, which eventually forced the sale of the homes.

  • KM

    My husband and I are purchasing an old historic house, and let me tell you, it has been pulling teeth to find a contractor who not only has expertise in restoring old houses, but loves the challenge and excitement of bringing life into a historic property that once was beautiful. We’ve been watching Connell and Schmidt’s work over the past few years, and have been very impressed at their creativity and obvious enjoyment of helping be a part of reviving and restoring the Capitol Hill area. What often happens in these older neighborhoods is a big complex goes up, changes the entire neighborhood, and pushes out the people that are living there.
    Thank-you Connell and Schmidt for breathing fresh air into the Capitol Hill area!