Manalto wrote:Curious, I perused some Philadelphia row houses that do have shutters and was pleased to see the typical Pennsylvania raised-panel type used most frequently. Some had the louvered type on the upper stories, which was a common practice, but I can't remember why - something to do with not needing privacy on the upper floors, perhaps.
Privacy can still be afforded with louvers while still allowing breezes in the upper chambers for the summer. The downstairs, there's no good way to angle them so that both persons on the street and folks in neighboring second floors can't see in. (In their case, they don't have folks living across the way in front due to the park, though.) On the second floor, you mostly worry about the street view, but are mindful of the second story neighbors in your angling. Louvers also helped keep lighter rain out at all times when open to allow for heat to chimney out during the day as well. (My dad grew up mostly in a brownstone before they moved to the burbs.)
Old fashioned AC. I spent one summer taking classes (on scholarship) at Moore College of Art, and although it's not the Deep South in summer by far, it can still get hot enough to be uncomfortable in Philly.
OurPhillyRow wrote:It will be six months or more before we will be living there full time (still have to sell our old home), but we are looking forward to restoring what we can, and doing thoughtful updates to make modern life possible (we will convert a small bedroom next to the master into a master bath and closet). All with the intent to retain as much of the original as possible.
I'm glad you were able to weather the surprise, and that you found solid folks to work with (no pun intended.) I wish you both many happy days ahead of you, sleeping secure in the knowledge that you are good cartakers of your wonderful new old home who now has more to give you in return, thanks to your efforts.