John Stevens, 42, is completing a triplex on Cucharras Street in the Hillside neighborhood east of downtown. He was inspired by a similar steel house built in 2004 by Bill and Paula Neal around the corner on Prospect Street.

A rusted tin building is news when it’s a brand, new building and represents the continuation of an architectural renaissance in a neighborhood once plagued by drug dealers, prostitutes and other criminals. 

The building is a triplex being constructed by John Stevens, a carpenter who believes the Hillside neighborhood east of downtown Colorado Springs is a bargain and ready to grow. 

Stevens hopes to have the triplex finished in a few weeks and ready to be rented. 

He was inspired to build the house after seeing the steel house built by Bill and Paula Neal around the corner on Prospect Street.

The rusting tin and corrugated metal camouflages a modern building that boasts 2-inch concrete floors with hot-water radiant heat, snow-melt sensors, tankless water heaters and more. 

Stevens has taken a rundown house that he bought out of foreclosure and invested hundreds of thousands creating three rental units that boast  mountain views, tw0-car garages and other amenities not common in Hillside. 

Most intriguing is how his architect, Jerry Burns of Architrilogy, re-oriented the building from a north-facing house to a structure that faces west, spanning the depth of the lot. 

The result is nice views of the mountains and city. 

Here’s a couple other views of Stevens’ triplex and a map of Hillside from FlashEarth.com.

Exposed steel beams, painted corrugated metal and rusted tin combine to give the triplex an industrial feel.