Yesterday's morning news
paper indicated that some residents of picturesque Tangletown in St Paul are unhappy because the new owners of this 104 year-old-house plan to tear it down and rebuild. The former owner claims she never would have sold it had she known their plans. Apparently that was not the original intention but remodeling the structure would be prohibitive. Neighbors want to conserve the vintage character of the neighborhood. Interesting dilemma for all concerned. Apparently there has been a recent trend in some places where homes are purchased, torn down and the new houses do not fit into the tradition of the neighborhoods. In this instance, the irony is that one of the new owners is head of conservation for the Minnesota Historical Society!
Yesterday's morning newspaper indicated that some residents of picturesque Tangletown in St Paul are unhappy because the new owners of this 104 year-old-house plan to tear it down and rebuild. The former owner claims she never would have sold it had she known their plans. Apparently that was not the original intention but remodeling the structure would be prohibitive. Neighbors want to conserve the vintage character of the neighborhood. Interesting dilemma for all concerned. Apparently there has been a recent trend in some places where homes are purchased, torn down and the new houses do not fit into the tradition of the neighborhoods. In this instance, the irony is that one of the new owners is head of conservation for the Minnesota Historical Society!
This is happening a lot in Dallas. They tear down a nice older home and build a McMansion that takes up almost the entire lot and looks totally out of place. This one looks wonderful, I would love to have that one.
ReplyDeleteI just don't understand wanting to destroy a perfectly good house... if they've decided they don't want it, why not sell it to someone who does?
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame to tear down an old home. I can't imagine that it would cost less to have it torn down and then build a whole new one than it would to redo that one.
ReplyDeleteoh, my. that last tidbit is VERY interesting.
ReplyDeleteHere's my take: You own it and it's not against any zoning laws? Go for it. It's yours.
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting dilemma. I wonder what makes a remodel so much more expensive that a rebuild. That seems counterintuitive to me.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if they construct something that enhances the neighbourhood!
ReplyDeleteYou would think the head of a group like that would know better.
ReplyDeleteThere have been cases like that here as well, monstrosities built on a lot that was never meant for that sort of thing, in well established neighbourhoods.
If they're are going to building something new I hope it's a Green home.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible to build new and keep the older spirit of the neighborhood in the new design. They should find out what the owners plan before getting up in arms. Do you know if they asked the new owners about their plans?
ReplyDeleteJust because it will be new doesn't mean it will be grotesque. A lot of new architecture produces traditional-appearing houses that fit well within the neighborhood but have all the modern stuff inside. I would assume that a person affiliated with a preservation society would have that objective. (The former owner sold the house and took the dough . . . her opinion is irrelevant.)
ReplyDeleteI think such houses should be protected, interesting to read who is the owner!
ReplyDeleteyou are having snow ?
Oh, that is a shame isn't it? Those houses are so stylish.
ReplyDeleteAh, Jack is such a pragmatist! I hope he's right. This was a big trend in California when I was there and the results were hit and miss depending on the egos of the buyers. This is a lovely old house. I hope if a new one goes up that it has a suitable style and character.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting twist with the new owner's position. I would expect,and hope, that being an historical person, he would see the value in maintaing the historical outward appearance of the house. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteoh. that is bad news!
ReplyDelete