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.

[Scott Mac]

Hi Sonam,

It looks like it might be in a tougher area of town?

If it were mine I (MIGHT) spray it white, and put shutters on it and add windows in place of the boarded up openings.

As well as add a see through commercial style door on both ends of the hallway (rape and other attack prevention) if the area called for it.

Cement a few park style BBQ's into the ground on each side (split them up to prevent tenants arguing) and park style trash cans chained to the ground (with lawn personnel responsible for changing out the bags).

A repave and paint of the lot (might be a lender requirement).

A commercial awning with WELCOME on it (in a bad neighborhood not everyplace seems welcome).

The building name and address (easy for Police and visitors to read from the road).

Some leasing signs and good look at the roof regarding replacement (for leaks) because the building looks neglected.

Good bright lighting (up high on the building) around the building and parking lot at night, and no bushes (hiding places for attackers).

I said (MIGHT) above, because I'd need to take a drive around the area and see the competition, to decide what I wanted to offer to make the building competitive without overspending.

Also, I'd do that drive and crunch the numbers on it before being locked into a purchase contract for it, because it might be a pass instead of a buy.

 Good Luck!