Enhancing curb appeal for an ugly building

[Sonam Gill]

I recently picked up a 4-unit block construction building in Columbus, OH and wanted opinions on increasing the curb appeal without breaking the bank (photo of ugly building below). Two ideas I had:

- Designate an area for tenants to park their cars, and block off the front from parking using landscaping and/or building out a porch seating area of some sort.
- Cover the block exterior with a more attractive (and less prison-like) exterior. So far the top two options I have come across or have seen on neighboring properties are stucco or siding (vinyl or fiber/cement). I am an out of state investor, so understanding what materials work best in an Ohio climate would also be a factor I would want to weigh.

Any opinions or comments would be appreciated.