08/05/2026
Jennifer Hagerty- Realtor writes a weekly article for The Dominion Post.
Every Ugly Duckling Deserves a Second Chance
Most of us remember the childhood story of The Ugly Duckling. A young bird, overlooked because of its appearance, eventually grows into something beautiful. It is a story about seeing potential where others see imperfections.
As a Realtor in Morgantown, I think about that story every time I drive through one of our older neighborhoods. It might be a house in Greenmont with peeling paint and an overgrown yard, a century-old home in South Park waiting for someone to restore its wraparound porch, a First Ward home with original woodwork hidden beneath years of updates, or a charming cottage in
Woodburn that simply needs someone willing to look beyond what it is today and imagine what it could become.
These homes are easy to overlook. Buyers often focus on shiny new construction or recently remodeled properties. But some of Morgantown's most beautiful homes did not start out that way. They became beautiful because someone invested time, resources, and a great deal of heart into bringing them back to life.
Throughout Morgantown, there are homeowners, investors, contractors, and neighbors quietly transforming houses one project at a time. They scrape old paint, repair slate roofs, refinish
hardwood floors, restore original windows, and carefully preserve details that tell the story of the families who lived there long before us. It is not fast work, and it certainly is not easy, but it is work that strengthens our community.
One restored home often inspires another. A fresh coat of paint leads to a new front porch. A neglected yard becomes a colorful garden. Sidewalk conversations become more common as
neighbors spend time outdoors again. Before long, an entire block begins to feel renewed.
Greenmont is a wonderful example of how restoration can change a neighborhood while honoring its history. Once known primarily for its modest working-class homes, it has become a place where people appreciate walkability, local businesses, mature trees, and historic architecture. Every restored home helps preserve the unique character that makes the neighborhood special.
South Park continues to attract homeowners who appreciate craftsmanship from another era. Original staircases, stained glass windows, built-in cabinetry, and large front porches remind us
that homes were once built with remarkable attention to detail. Rather than replacing those features, many owners are choosing to preserve them while thoughtfully updating kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical systems for modern living.
In First Ward, beautiful historic homes continue to find new life through careful restoration. Families are discovering the value of living close to downtown, parks, neighborhood schools, and local businesses while enjoying homes filled with character that simply cannot be replicated in newer construction.
Woodburn tells a similar story. Tucked into one of Morgantown's oldest neighborhoods, many of its homes have stood for generations. As more owners invest in repairs and renovations, they are helping preserve an important part of the city's history while creating comfortable homes for today's families.
Of course, restoring a home is never a one-person effort. Morgantown is fortunate to have talented roofers, electricians, plumbers, masons, painters, carpenters, HVAC technicians,
landscapers, and countless other skilled tradespeople whose craftsmanship makes these projects possible. Their work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but it has a lasting impact on our neighborhoods.
Home restoration also strengthens our local economy. Materials are purchased from local suppliers. Skilled trades remain busy. Property values improve. Families choose to stay and invest in established neighborhoods, supporting nearby schools, restaurants, and small businesses. What begins as one renovation often encourages another, creating momentum that benefits an entire community.
Not every house needs to become a magazine-worthy showcase. Sometimes success simply means giving a home another chapter. A family gathered around a renovated kitchen table, children riding bicycles down a quiet street, or neighbors visiting from restored front porches reminds us that homes are about much more than square footage.
The next time you drive through Greenmont, South Park, First Ward, Woodburn, or any of Morgantown's older neighborhoods, take a second look at the homes that may seem a little tired.
Behind weathered siding or an aging porch may be another one of Morgantown's future showpieces.
Just like the Ugly Duckling, every home deserves the chance to become what it was always meant to be. And when someone is willing to see that potential, they are not just restoring a house. They are preserving Morgantown's history, strengthening its neighborhoods, and helping write the next chapter of our community's story.
Stephanie K. Lemley, Broker
