[MassHistPres] Historic House Wanted

[Virginia Adams]

The Reading (MA) Historical Commission has a house on the Town’s Inventory of historic structures that is currently under a demolition delay.  We believe this house might be of interest to the individual who contacted you.  The owner of this house, a local developer, has been active in pursuing alternatives to demolition and has spoken with house movers.  We believe he would be willing to have someone, particularly one who is a preservationist of historic homes, take the structure to another site.  
 
It is a one room deep, 2 1/2 story house built c. 1790’s – 1812 with eight rooms.  There is one el for a kitchen and a later el, both of which could be demolished before moving the structure.  It has the potential to form a basis of a five bay house with the need for a newly constructed kitchen.  The main block measure 40 1/2’ long x 20 1/2’ wide.  Currently there are 2 chimneys with fireplaces in the four main rooms and a large cooking fireplace with side bake oven in the kitchen el.  Early materials, including post and beam construction, are evident, but the overall condition is challenging except for a new roof!
 
This is merely an exploratory response and in no way represents the developer’s position.  We can provide a photo in a separate email if there is an interest.

Virginia Adams and Jonathan Barnes, members of Reading Historical Commission,

On Aug 26, 2015, at 2:39 PM, Stacia Caplanson wrote:

> I was recently contacted by an individual who owns land and is looking to acquire an “unwanted/endangered” historic house  which she can have moved to her property. She is looking for a structure built prior to 1950 and is open to a variety of sizes and styles including small cottages, bungalows, capes etc. If you know of such a house, please contact me at scaplanson at preservationmass.org and I will be happy to pass on your information. Thanks for your help.
> 
>  
> Stacia Caplanson
> 
> Preservation Circuit Rider for Central and Western MA
> 
> Preservation Massachusetts
> 
> 617-999-3256
> 
> scaplanson at preservationmass.org
> 
> Preservation Massachusetts
> 
> www.preservationmass.org
> 
> Old City Hall
> 
> 45 School Street
> 
> Boston, MA 02108
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