<p>A late 18th-century home has been on the move in Edgartown. The historic Warren House, which usually fronts North Water street beside the Edgartown library, has been temporarily relocated as part of a major restoration effort.</p>
A late 18th-century home has been on the move in Edgartown.
The historic Warren house, which usually fronts North Water street beside the Edgartown library, has been temporarily relocated to the back of the lot, which is one-third of an acre, as part of a major restoration effort. Contractors have moved the house as they prepare to install a new foundation.
Facade will retain original aesthetic; widow's walk will remain.
Facade will retain original aesthetic; widow's walk will remain.
The circa-1792 house had fallen into a state of disrepair. Chestnut Hill resident Jeffrey Wolk bought the property two years ago from the town of Edgartown for $2.5 million, and he has said he is committed to restoring the historic character of the home. To that end, the front will retain its iconic white color, accented by black shutters, and will return to use as a single-family home.
According to plans submitted to the building inspector, the facade will retain its original aesthetic and street-side position but will be moved 20 feet to the left. Contractor Paul Ulyatt said that beyond the exterior, the historic window sashes and trim, the interior stairwell, newel posts and balusters will also be preserved.
The town zoning board of appeals has also authorized a plan to reconstruct a widow’s walk overlooking the Edgartown harbor.
The size of the building won’t be significantly altered in construction, though plans include removing a rear addition, and replacing it with a horseshoe-shaped addition.
When complete, the home’s living area will total 7,826 square feet.
House was purchased for $2.5 million in late 2013.
House was purchased for $2.5 million in late 2013.
As part of the building permit application, Mr. Ulyatt estimated that the construction would cost $3.4 million. Mr. Ulyatt told the Gazette said the work is expected to take one year and eight months.
The home was once owned by the Osborns, an Edgartown family with connections to the whaling industry. Caroline Osborn, born in 1823, married Frederick Warren and inherited the house. She also provided the land for the Carnegie library next door, which will relocate to a site next to the Edgartown school in the fall, after more than a century downtown.
Library expansion plans first targeted the Warren house site, and in 2004, the town bought the property for $3.5 million.
But when the historic district rejected plans to demolish it and plans to use the house for a library expansion fell through, voters authorized a bid to sell it.
Comments
As a visitor to Edgartown for
Gayle Turowski Poughkeepsie, New YorkAs a visitor to Edgartown for over 30 years, I'm glad to see this historic house renovated and alive again. However, I fail to see how owners who buy these 'historic Captain's Houses' can totally renovate keeping only a facade of a front and still keep it's historic value and meaning. Many of these homes have been gutted, expanded, modernized and totally changed. It loses it's historic meaning. To me, it is no longer a Captain's House with a long history, but just a new construction with a frontal facade. I suppose it is better than completely knocking it down and building a huge modern style monstrosity. I look forward to seeing it's progress when I come in June. Edgartown has always been special to me because of it's rich sailing and whaling history. I guess 'quaint' today means 'old fashioned'. At least the current owner of the Warren House has saved it from complete destruction and for that, I'm glad.
Truly great to see and read
Joseph Paul Uranker Oak BluffsTruly great to see and read that this Historic Captains house is being restored as now many others in Edgartown are. The final touch would be a Captain House quarterboard across the front entrance or a classical hand carved eagle above the quaterbaord.
Mr. Uranker you should offer
Bob EdgartownMr. Uranker you should offer to do one for free for Mr. Wolk, it would be great additional advertising for you.
Hi Bob,
Joseph Paul Uranker Oak BluffsHi Bob,
I did that with the "WELCOME TO EDGARTOWN" handcarved sign you see entering Edgartown by creating it for far less than what it should have cost. I will be more than pleased to meet with Mr.Wolk, and any other home owner give them advise on what would work on their homes. Generally I have a design consulting fee but I would be more pleased to help enhance their homes with a Heirloom carving that will last for generations.
Alot of eyesores getting
Ken Edg.Alot of eyesores getting makeovers in the towns. The new bowling alley in OB and the Warren house in Edg. Maybe there is hope for the old theaters in OB and VH. Still a house on main street in Edg, then we could all celebrate.
Cheers to Jeffrey Wolk!
BFCheers to Jeffrey Wolk!
It seems unfair to Jeffrey Wolk to criticize his renovation. Of course it will lose some of the historic features of the building...but how much nicer than to have lost it completely and to continuously watch it's unsightly decay.
It is a handsome financial undertaking in anyone's book! Again, Cheers!
So many today, are quick to make the wealthy the enemy. I 'm grateful for everyone of them. They are the ones who maintain this kind of splendor in our community! Can't wait to see it completed!
Hope Mr. Wolk would give just one day for the public to view it before his occupancy. What a treat that would be!
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