[MassHistPres] Moving a Historic Building Scheduled for Demolition

[Peter Paravalos]

Susan,

Moving buildings has become a common occurrence these days; anything can be moved!  Not knowing specific details of your project; there are several factors that will dictate whether the move is viable from an historic preservation and financial standpoint.  I will assume that the developer is not interested in incorporating the structures in the future plans for the site.

1. Are the structures historically significant? Are they listed or pending listing; local, state, national?  Have the structures been documented (photographic, written account, MHC Form B at a minimum).  I can think of several structures that have been relocated and are still on or have been placed on local, state and national registers.  Funding for restoration/ rehabilitation may be available depending on the scope of the work proposed,
2. Is the Town interested in saving the structures; relocate to Town owned land or sold/given away to public.  Will current owners help defray some of the moving costs?  There is a cost savings to the current owners if they move the structures rather than demolish.  In Short if they move the structures, the current owners have existing foundations to deal with and utility work; if they demolish, they have a number of costs associated with hazardous material disposal, environmental issues, and the demolition of the structures.
3. Costs of the move will vary depending on the size and makeup of the structure; will it be moved in one piece or partially dismantled?  Distance the structure will be moved? Utilities are not a concern since these are relocated for free; only in Massachusetts! What is the condition of the structure?  Is the structure structurally sound to move as is, or must be modified due to structural deficiencies?
 
Please feel free to contact me if I can offer additional guidance.  I would also be happy two recommend several structural movers in MA and NH that I have worked with before.
 
Peter Paravalos, HAP,LLC
www.Movingyourhouse.com
 
 
 

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 14, 2012, at 7:19 PM, "Susan Post Munafo" <spmunafo at verizon.net> wrote:

> There are 3 oceanfront buildings in Swampscott, knows as Captain Jack’s, that are scheduled for demolition in early August (the 3 buildings comprise a bed and breakfast).  We imposed a 9 month demo delay so that we could negotiate saving one of the buildings. The developers who now own the building have refused to have any meaningful dialogue. To make a long, distressing story short, we are exploring what seems to be our last option, whether or not it is possible feasible to move the main building to another location.    
>  
> As an aside, we are now preparing to propose a Historic District Study to our selectman since the demo delay has not had the desired effect. 
>  
> Does anyone have experience with moving buildings?  Any and all insight is greatly appreciated.  
>  
> Thank you,
>  
> Susan Post Munafo
> Member, Swampscott Historical Commission
> Spmunafo at verizon.net
>  
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