Keeton-Parsons House (1927)

Attention bungalow-lovers! The Keeton-Parsons House (1710 Dartmouth Avenue) is calling you.
This high-style Craftsman airplane bungalow was built in 1927. It has a classic porch, airy camelback, and all the great character you'd expect from this vintage (pantry, 9-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace). Three bedrooms, two baths. Wiring, heating and AC are all recently updated.

Also, Dartmouth is a great address. Several Bessemer Historical Homeowners Association members are restoring nearby homes.

It's listed with Prudential South O'Town Realty for under $85K. See the listing and more photos.

Adams-Sullinger-Armbrester House (ca. 1900)

This historic home at 1918 Arlington Avenue has just been listed for sale with Century 21 Alliance Group.

1918 Arlington Avenue is the first home on the left.

I admit, this one is a hard sell. I'm including it because I have this idyllic postcard photo from around 1908. If you're familiar with Bessemer, you'll recognize that this is probably the most challenging block on Arlington Avenue (commercial at one end, commercial behind, vacant school across the street...) but it is also on the verge of change. The home is a half-block from the Henry Sweet house renovation (more on this huge investment in the South Highlands neighborhood later) and across the street from a beloved--if neglected--local landmark, Arlington School.

See a contemporary pic at Realtor.com (the listing mistakenly states that the home was built in 1930). I haven't seen the interior, but understand it needs some love. Maybe the postcard will help someone recognize its potential. : )

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Find descriptions and photos of homes that are available for purchase, local preservation success stories, and before-and-after photos.

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Bessemer History 101 from the Chamber of Commerce.


Homes on historic Minnesota Avenue.
Photo from the Historic American Engineering Record collection, Library of Congress.