[MassHistPres] 1874 House Demolition

[Julie Nardone]

Hi Jane,

I don't see why the beams can't be fixed. Why tear down the entire house? Folks love to use stuff like that as a reason to get rid of an old home.

At the Mass Historic Preservation Conference, I believe one of the speakers from Cambridge said that Cambridge does not allow condition or neglect as a reason for demolition. And have seen some amazing rehabs of homes in wretched condition.

We could use some nasty before and gorgeous after photos in some kind of a State-authorized brochure to show folks what can be done with any condition home. Ashland's Historic Town Hall almost got torn down based on a rumor that it was unsound. The engineer came in and said it was in wonderful shape.

It's this weird discrimination against older homes ...

Thanks!

Julie Nardone
Ashland HC