
2504 Barclay Street
The Harwood neighborhood has one less vacant eyesore and a U.S. veteran has an attractive new home, thanks to the success story at 2504 Barclay Street.

The property had been vacant for more than 20 years when First Saint Paul Street, LLC (now Harwood Redevelopment, LLC) bought it at a One House At A Time auction for $5,000. “It was quite well known in the neighborhood because of its unusual shape and its poor condition,” said Richard Dunn. “It was a nuisance and a hazard. We thought it would be a great opportunity to reenergize the block.”
"Other people have started fixing up their places, too."
The triangular shape and small size (750 square feet, including the basement) presented challenges. “We wanted to make the space friendly and functional, but there were limitations,” Richard explained. For example, the builders decided to put the kitchen in the basement and the eating space upstairs where the light is. They also installed several built-ins for storage and as furniture. “We knew it would be very hard to move items in and out.”
Other amenities include a rain-soaking shower, very large master bedroom, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.
“This was a fun and interesting project,” said Richard, whose LLC has rental properties across the street and on the corner. “All of the neighbors are very happy. Other people have started fixing up their places, too.”
The property is currently rented to a veteran. Harwood Redevelopment LLC plans to do more projects in the community. “We consider ourselves value-added investors because we want to help turn neighborhoods around.”