The perpendicular alignment of the house in relation to the road suggests the street was an afterthought (at least as far as this building is concerned) and that possibly the house once sat on a larger, majestic tract. The front porch facing into a (large-ish) adjacent yard supports this theory.
House is in bad shape. Badness all around that yard and front entrance.
Update, March 21st 2009
Someone has been by to board up and theoretically kick out the squatters.
Naive to think it was the city?
House likely has been vacant since a foreclosure in March of 2007.
Nearby Houses:
None yet photographed. Please take a picture if you see one.