Below is a map of the Idora Neighborhood.
Orange = A Vacant Lot
Green = A Vacant House
This is one of the stripped homes in the Idora Neighborhood.
Wasn't it unusual for someone to have covered the original block exterior with aluminum siding?
Not really. At the time, the owners probably wanted a more "modern" appearance.
I agree it was not that unusual to cover brick or block to not only give the house a more "modern" look but a much cleaner look. Just look how clean the light blue is next to the dirty block. I think if it was me I would rather have put the money into cleaning the block.
The rectory at St. Nick's Byzantine Catholic Church on Wilson Ave was the Hailzelton Mansion and a very dark and dirty porous brick so they covered it with Aluminum siding which is now just dark and dirty Aluminum siding :-\