[MassHistPres] Ownership of historic properties

[James Hadley]

The Town of Orleans owns Sea Call Farm, as part of  land acquired for 
conservation. A group was formed - the Sea Call Farm Supporters - to keep it 
up and develop a plan for re-use. Work proceeded slowly in this regard and 
the Conservation Commission wanted to tear it down. Town meeting turned this 
down. (Further it was listed on preservatiONMASS's 10 most endangered list, 
and named eligible for the NRHP.)  The key to fixing it properly came with 
the Community Preservation Act acceptance by the Town.  These funds have 
been used successfully to move forward with restoration and rehabilitation.
CAUTION - much damage can be done by well meaning volunteer effort, often 
more than was ever done through neglect.  Of this, most preservationists 
have first hand experience. It is of absolute paramount importance that the 
first thing you do is develop a well researched plan for stabilization (if 
necessary) and restoration (plus re-use if this is what is finally 
determined by your planning efforts.) Access to qualified professionals is 
available through preservatiON MASS's website.
good luck, James Hadley AIA, Chair - Orleans Historical Commission, Pres.- 
Orleans Historical Society.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry McDermott" <mcbeags at comcast.net>
To: "MHC listserve" <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 11:07 PM
Subject: [MassHistPres] Ownership of historic properties


> As many of you may know, the town of Wilmington recently (October 2006) 
> acquired the William Butters Farmhouse, a small First Period half house in 
> Wilmington.  I have corresponded with members of this list in the past and 
> I always learn something interesting.
>
> My current question is this - does anyone know of any Massachusetts towns 
> that have endeavored to own and rehabilitate historic residential 
> property?  It is agreed by all that the Butters house is in need of some 
> serious preservation work.  I know Chelmsford recently acquired and 
> ultimately sold an historic property; I know Burlington owns and is still 
> working on fundraising for the Grandview Farm, which I believe is large 
> enough to ultimately serve as a function facility, should the rehab work 
> be funded.  (I also believe that Burlington is finding the whole rehab 
> process to be difficult)  But do any other towns own historic residential 
> property?  I've been trying to look into this issue and it appears to me 
> that town's often end up offloading this type of property to a private 
> society or foundation, which is, perhaps, better positioned to manage a 
> preservation project.  At the heart of the issue for us would be how do we 
> best finance the necessary rehab work for the best, mo
> st historically sensitive outcome?
>
> A related question is - does anyone know of any towns that own historic 
> property which is rented out to residential tenants?
>
> Any thoughts/experiences that anyone can share would be greatly 
> appreciated.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Terry McDermott
> Curator
> Wilmington Town Museum at the
> Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern, c.1770
> 430 Salem Street
> Wilmington, MA  01887
> 978.658.5475
> htavern at townofwilmingtonma.com
> http://www.town.wilmington.ma.us/old/hist.htm
>
> The Wilmington Historical Commission can also be reached at the above
> addresses and phone number.
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