<p>The demolition of a house believed to be one of the oldest homes in Vineyard Haven has stirred shock and confusion.</p>
The demolition of a historic house that was believed to be one of the oldest homes in Vineyard Haven has stirred shock and confusion among town leaders, Island residents and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission in course of the past week.
Iconic structure was familiar sight from the harborfront.
Iconic structure was familiar sight from the harborfront.
At the end of Mill House Way in Vineyard Haven, all that remains of the eponymous property is the mill tower. Once a part of a sprawling historic house, the tower stands alongside a gaping hole in the ground. The project was referred to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission by the Tisbury building inspector for review after the fact.
“This is a major deal. This is a historic house,” MVC executive director Adam Turner told commissioners at their regular meeting last week. “Revolutionary war activities happened in this location, and then somebody went around our regulations to demolish it.”
Mr. Turner said the demolition will be reviewed in the coming weeks. Building inspector Ken Barwick took responsibility for his role in the misstep.
Parts of the house were built before 1900. Referral to the commission is required for the demolition of any building more than 100 years old. Building permits were issued for an extensive renovation project last fall. The exact circumstances of the demolition — including the nature of communication between the town, the builders and the owner — are still unclear.
Mr. Barwick could not clearly identify the date of demolition. Initially he said he believed it happened during the last weekend of April. But after further review of his own records, he said he believed the house was partially demolished without his knowledge between April 11 and April 12. Mr. Barwick said
he never gave permission for an exterior demolition, and that he issued an order to halt construction as soon as he could after hearing that the house had been razed.
Tisbury fire chief John Schilling confirmed that he notified Mr. Barwick of the demolition by text message on April 11.
“I didn’t feel very good about it I can tell you that,” Mr. Barwick said, describing his reaction upon seeing the site of the demolition. “I still have the same knot in my stomach as I had when I first saw it.”
He made a development of regional impact (DRI) referral to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission on April 23, according to commission records.
The exact circumstances of the demolition remain unclear.
The exact circumstances of the demolition remain unclear.
The house is owned by Lise Revers of Weston, who bought it in late 2017 for $3.8 million according to assessors’ records. The builder for the project is Peter Rosbeck; the architect is Patrick Ahearn.
Mr. Rosbeck did not respond to requests seeking comment.
In an email to the Gazette Monday, Mr. Ahearn said the contractor intended to lift the house to install a basement beneath it, but was concerned that the house would collapse after the interior was gutted.
“Upon stripping out the interior the builder was concerned that the portion of the house that was to remain would collapse if lifted to install the new approved basement and foundation,” Mr. Ahearn wrote. He said Mr. Barwick was consulted and concluded that the part of the building that was gutted was not salvageable.
“The work under construction is being built exactly as instructed by Kenny Barwick the building inspector and is in accordance of the architects plans,” Mr. Ahearn said in the email.
The house was an amalgamation of several different historic parts. The Massachusetts cultural resource information system database dates parts of the house to 1750 and lists the original owner as Mrs. Joseph Merry. A subsequent owner, Grafton Luce, bought what was then a cottage and had his mother’s house moved from Lake Tashmoo and attached to it. The iconic mill was moved and attached to the house in the late 1800s by Gen. Asa B. Carey.
In 1955, the American playwright Lillian Hellman bought the house and owned it until 1961. The purchase was noted in the Vineyard Gazette. Renovations and alterations on the house continued throughout the 20th century.
Mr. Barwick issued a building permit on Nov. 14 of last year, allowing an estimated $2.7 million in “renovations . . . to include to demolish portions of dwelling interior and exterior per plans and description only,” within six months. He told the Gazette he did not refer the plans to the commission at the time because he did not believe there would be a significant demolition to the exterior of the building. He also said the plans were mostly to renovate areas of the house other than the exterior of the iconic mill.
“They didn’t touch the mill. I was very specific in don’t touch the mill, just leave it where it is, and that’s what they did,” Mr. Barwick said. He said the interior of the house was in disrepair and many parts were structurally unsound.
Speaking with the Gazette on Wednesday, Mr. Barwick took responsibility for his decision not to refer the project to the commission at the outset.
“It was my call,” the 34-year town inspector said. “The department made the call. I’m the department head. I’m responsible, and I am here to take whatever action, if you will, that needs to be taken, and I will follow the process to its end.”
In an email to the Gazette Monday, Ms. Revers said she planned to renovate the house in the original style with her architect and builder.
“There has been a lot of miscommunication about the project and as the owner of the house, I can tell you that I am confused about what has happened as well and extremely upset about the situation,” she wrote.
Harold Chapdelaine, chairman of the Tisbury historical commission, said depending on the extent of the structural issues, the house may have been eventually demolished even if it had gone through proper regulatory reviews. But he said there would have been advance opportunity to properly catalog the history.
“Not so much the human history, but the type of millwork: doors, windows, the things we could have worked with to replicate or compliment,” he said. “The type of moldings, the window sills. There’s so much unique historical work done on the houses where particular craftsmen had signature designs, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Ms. Revers, who also bought the house next door at 21 Mill House Way for $962,250 in January 2018, said her plan still is to rebuild the Mill House to emulate the original.
“That was my intent from the beginning and I had looked forward to accolades from the community for restoring this beautiful property that had been completely abandoned for many years,” she said.
Mr. Turner said he had received many concerned calls and emails about the house. Mr. Chapdelaine said his board will work in concert with the MVC to make recommendations. Tisbury selectmen could also add comments, he said. Mr. Chapdelaine echoed a sense of the house’s significance.
“It is one of the oldest homes in Tisbury,” he said. “Or it was one of the oldest homes in Tisbury.”
Comments
It's a shame that this
Bob OBIt's a shame that this happened the way it did, but after reading the information about the history of the "house" I'm not really sure why this is considered such a big deal. I mean it was a cobbled together structure from many eras, not exactly an historic building really.
As a frequent visitor to MV,
William Wentz Oak Bluffs VisitorAs a frequent visitor to MV, I will tell you this is a very big deal. I remember fondly the beautiful house with the mill. I’m experienced with historic presentation construction, and I can tell you that any structure can be saved, at least some historical elements. It just takes money, which the (former) home owner seems to have plenty of.
I believe there is legal president for the town to obtain the property. That strip of land with the windmill will make a great public space! The current permit is clearly null and void, and there is no reason to issue a permit to build a new structure.
Perhaps the property owner will be willing to give the land to the town and avoid complicated and costly legal issues? It is sad not seeing the grand old structure, but I look forward to visit the new Windmill Park in the near future!
This is a boffo time to raze
Steve Lindsey Keene, NHThis is a boffo time to raze heritage. Never has the past so not resonated with the masses, nor falling to such a low level of appreciation among the elites. We going to see far more of this as our values have shifted radically.
Ouch but so true. We can
John Aldeborgh Edgadgartown, MAOuch but so true. We can only hope that people will someday appreciate that without accurately preserving history (and not revisionist history) will future generations be able to learn from it. Mankind has never been perfect nor will it ever be perfect. The activists to today are the backward fools of tomorrow's activists, change is the only constant.
This unfortunately seems to
James Garfield Wakefield, RIThis unfortunately seems to be the case more and more. We have been restoring 18th century buildings since the '80s, and interest in them amongst the general population has ebbed to a point lower than I can recall. A lot of history is ending up in dumpsters. It is very alarming.
Amen!
B Pease DartmouthAmen!
It seems that someone is not
DVSIt seems that someone is not telling the truth- this house was historic and didn’t deserve to be demolished- Martha’s Vineyard is a special place that is dear to all of us. This is very disappointing
PA knows better although the
Not happy EdgartownPA knows better although the continued construction of McMansions is under his design as others and needs to be controlled. It’s easier to demo then preserve the old gorgeous molding and beautiful wide board floors... every house remolded inside could be anywhere , certainly not preserving the local history. What a terrible crime this house was demolished. HEAVY HEAVY FINES may add some sting to this mistake.
Patrick Ahearn should be
Concerned Edgartowm ResidentPatrick Ahearn should be ashamed of himself!
From the above article: “It
Taylor Ahearn Brooklyn, NYFrom the above article: “It was my call,” the 34-year town inspector said. “The department made the call. I’m the department head. I’m responsible, and I am here to take whatever action, if you will, that needs to be taken, and I will follow the process to its end.”
I hope that there are major
KathleenI hope that there are major fines attached to the demolition of this house..it appears that rules don't apply to everyone.
I hope that there are major
KR V.HI hope that there are major fines attached to the demolition of this house..it appears that rules don't apply to everyone.
If you read the article in
Taylor Ahearn Brooklyn, NYIf you read the article in full, it is clear all parties involved are upset over the matter and that this was not the original plan. The article makes it clear what happened was an accident, and perhaps an unavoidable one.
If you think the homes
Taylor Ahearn Brooklyn, NYIf you think the homes Patrick Ahearn designs are "McMansions" I beg you to google image search the term.
Link to Google Image Search for McMansion: https://www.google.com/search?q=mcmansion&client=safari&rls=en&source=l…
The client, who will now most
Jason Chilmark/NYCThe client, who will now most likely be a pariah to the summer community on MV, said she looked forward to "receiving accolades" for the historic restoration, and yet she chose Ahearn as the architect, we all know those are mutually exclusive. Patrick is known throughout the Cape and Islands as a designer with little to no regard for history or existing community aesthetic. His designs, and others like him, have been defiling our coastal communities for far too long, and I hope that this project finally serves as a wakeup call to everyone here that our Island's history is more important than someone's "dream home".
Just because some old place
here we go again edgJust because some old place had a celebrity owner or some 'different' architecture does not mean its historically significant. I'd rather see a new owner renovate (if possible) or replace and add to the tax base instead of letting some old dump linger as an eyesore.
I guess you have no
GF Oak BluffsI guess you have no appreciation for historic buildings, and architectural features that represent a past era. Your calling this house an "old dump" is insulting.
Here we go again....That is
DBOB Oak BluffsHere we go again....That is exactly why there is a review prior to demolition, to determine if there is something significant to be reserved. Some people seem happy to allow a bulldozer operator make that determination while most would prefer a more thoughtful approach. The regulation does not say that every structure over 100 years old must remain but simply that there must be a review prior to demolition. A review may well have found nothing worth preservation..but we will never know, will we?
While the HOW and WHO of what
Big Picture View EdgartownWhile the HOW and WHO of what happened and the timing, and how anyone could have missed it while it was happening is a mystery, and an account is owed to everyone. The WHY is obvious. If you read carefully and the reporting is accurate, you will see that the house had already been stripped. That is, all the interior fixtures, woodwork, walls, doors, and flooring had been removed leaving nothing but a shell. Any photographic record of the interior would have already been made. What is left may be an intact frame with impressive beams...or more likely a cobbled together structure, with ceiling beams pieced together by scraps of wood, perhaps built of salvaged wood from abandoned ships, riddled with rot and insect damage, with any original brick unsalvageable too. That was my experience. So please focus on the truth, not a romantic story of an intact cultural heritage site razed. Unfortunately, many historic structures on the island have been allowed to deteriorate and decay to the point of no rescue, only reconstruction. Those kinds of repairs are expensive, and many historic properties end up in estates. That fault does not lie with the present owner, or architect. With review the MV Commission may have agreed that demolition was inevitable. The damage is not the losses described, but in the loss of faith in the process, which is important too.
Would have been nice to
Margaret Snow Florence ItalyWould have been nice to preserve the signature incised on one of the window panes on the oldest part of the house which I discovered when washing those windows years ago: Joseph Merry 1764
This makes me even sadder.
JenThis makes me even sadder.
Thanks for that lovely bit of
Adrienne off islandThanks for that lovely bit of the Mills's past. Perhaps there are more memories out there to be gathered up in its wake.
Photos, drawings, paintings recollections and more.
If all the historic interior
Barbara EdgartownIf all the historic interior molding, floors, etc. had been saved prior to the demolition, wouldn’t that have been mentioned by the builder?
Sad but wish the same mistake
Tisbury voter Vineyard haven massSad but wish the same mistake could be made on Stop and Shop buildings.
I'm not keen to judge all
No overhead wires are killing me ChilmarkI'm not keen to judge all aspects. Yes historical societies go way overboard true. But this was also a harbor view issue.
Why were they building a basement under it? Of course it would be structurally compromised. My daughter just bought a home from 1796. The inspector explained "this wood is old growth and longer available. He pointed to no insect damage. It's hard as rock. My home in Chilmark was built with reclaimed beams from an old business here; you can see the shipping writing on it "Boston" again hard as ebony.
I'm adding this because I'm refuting the assumption of old degraded boat lumber. Do we know that? As to previous famous owners I don't care unless they're original Islanders like the Quansoo Farm across from me. I do believe that long time home owners, many of whom I've watched sell, deserve the fair price. Having said that though I also think anyone buying a property should be under constrictions regarding height. A house near to me is huge but can't be seen from the pond nor easily from any p.o.v. Perhaps that leads back to the basement. Always tradeoffs.
Very simple solution. The MVC
Public Trust all islandVery simple solution. The MVC has a staff member obtain a list of every home older than 100 years in each town, and send this list to the building inspectors. Of course this would need to be updated regularly. Case closed.
The roof of the old bank
RT WTThe roof of the old bank replaced with cheap shingles, and now this. Someone is asleep at the wheel.
It looked like crap - always
Doug OBIt looked like crap - always did!! just like Stop $ SHOP.- PLEASE, PLEASE FIX Whats important-- and - Patrick Ahearn will only enhance Vinyard Haven - oh, how I would love to put a pen in Patrick’s hand and fix the Stop & Shop blight. Maybe now that Mr Israel has abdicated his thrown will we really see progress.
Totally agree. Hopefully
Jam VHTotally agree. Hopefully fresh blood will help re- invigorate a dying harbor.
You would think that the
MarieYou would think that the architect and contractor knew what they were doing. They know the rules, they are well known on the Island. It was easy to decide amongst themselves that the building could not be saved, or maybe saving it was just inconvenient. We will never know since they made a decision without getting permission. They knew exactly what they were doing. Its easier to pay the fine.
Remember Nancy’s in Oak Bluffs? The Garage Majal? The destruction of a historic structure (carriage house?) in Edgartown? The owners did what they wanted and opted to pay fines later. I think that the Garage Majal may have been forced to remove parts of the remodel.
In OB the cynics 'mongst us
Sara Oak BluffsIn OB the cynics 'mongst us have always thought that asking forgiveness after the fact was easier than asking for a permit before it. I recollect nearly 20 years ago my builder and I went to what seemed like a year's worth of meetings and revisions to build a simple one-bedroom cottage to replace six crumbling garages. I think it was accomplished only because we all wore each other down. Time marches on and some current officials have assured me that would never have happened were it on their watch. Ultimately too much subjectivity often intrudes in these things. There should be a better way to make thesse decisions.
Unfortunately, Marie, it's
Kristen Off IslandUnfortunately, Marie, it's always easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. I agree that both the contractor and architect knew what they were doing. Given that they are both very familiar with working with the towns on the island, I'm sure they realized that they had gotten away with something and just forged ahead. It's not just a shame but valuable history that should have been reviewed before ANY work was done. As for the owner being lauded by islanders, her builder and architect have made sure that that won't happen.
There are two obvious
William ExPBA NYC, ChilmarkThere are two obvious question here! "Mr. Barwick was consulted and concluded that the part of the building that was gutted was not salvageable" I ask, did the inspector even inspect the site to conclude this specific determination?
“Upon stripping out the interior the builder was concerned that the portion of the house that was to remain would collapse if lifted to install the new approved basement and foundation,” Why not brace it??? All involved are culpable here!!!!
Who Cares!!!! Lets all look
Doug OBWho Cares!!!! Lets all look at Stop N Shop in Vineyard Haven..... That should be the focus of the MV Commission.....
Both S&S locations are
Mark EdgartownBoth S&S locations are eyesores, wish that would be an area of focus for redeveloping community views.
Ahearn does a great job!
Horace EdgartownAhearn does a great job!
We love Ahearn. The Tisbury
Christopher and Devlin KatamaWe love Ahearn. The Tisbury voters should let him loose in the streets of Vineyard Haven- especially the eyesore left behind by the past selectmen. I need to close my eyes when we drive by the filth and debris of downtown Vineyard Haven. You want Ahearn on the front lines. He is the one and only Ahearn
We just love Patrick and I
Betty Ann West Palm FlWe just love Patrick and I agree we need him! This all sounds like a big miss understanding... I agree the folks should be concerned about the condition of Stop n Shop!!!
Ahearn is great, if you like
Not a fan EdgartownAhearn is great, if you like one you will like em all. They are all basically the same design, even uses the same paint color to cover the MDF headboard that is in every one of them.
How many clients have you
Jimmy MVHow many clients have you lost because of the ugly Stop&Shop, that's the real question
Doug:
Islander TooDoug:
The S&S project in VH was the focus of the Commission for a very lengthy series of hearings.
Guess you missed that!!
It was the focus...they
WashAbhorred EdgartownIt was the focus...they focused it right out of doing anything. Santander Bank went the same way. Few want to deal with that town.
This was on Mr. Barwick's
Nathan Vineyard HavenThis was on Mr. Barwick's watch again . Somehow the safeguards are not being followed in this town . Mr. Barwick was quoted in the paper a few years back declaring that Vineyard Haven needs more large new houses being built to bring the taxes down . When it comes to speculation builders he handles them with kid gloves . They pretty much run the show in this town .Time for Barwick to step down .
Mr. Barwick should offer his
Tom Oak BluffsMr. Barwick should offer his resignation. His letter does not necessarily have to be accepted but he should tender it. This preservation crime occurred under his watch.
As an architect for 4 decades
Douglas F Korves AIA AlwTs on IslandAs an architect for 4 decades and forensic/expert witness for 20 years, and a 10 year member of the National AIA Contracts Drafting Committee; I submit the following thought to the Gazzette readers.
The purpose of professional architectural licensing is to protect the public health welfare and safety. The a license is granted to an architect after extensive education, a professional internship, and rigorous testing far exceeding any other learned and licensed professional. The “public” includes the property owner as well as community in which the architect practices and it’s laws, zoning regulations, building codes and historical guidelines if such is enacted. In addition, an architect (or other professional consultant i.e. structural, mechanical, etc. wether contracted by the architect or separately) must perform and coordinate their professional service to a standard of care that a similarly experienced architect would have performed in a similar project.
Building Departments and Inspectors “review” plans for conformance to code and regulations. Inspectors do not perform an exhaustive analysis of the existing conditions, items to be removed or demolished, and the integrity of the proposed new design. Inspectors observe conditions in the field at the appropriate time in the construction as the work progresses and or are requested to inspect by the contractor.
The contractor is responsible for the means and methods of construction and also to notify the architect when a condition in the field creates a condition where the project can not proceed. The Architect is required to “regularly” visit the site to see that quantity and quality of the work is in conformance with the plans, the codes and the completion of the project.
That being said: 1.) this case never mentions the word collapse or that unsafe condition was created that should have required the work to stop and a review and opinion by the architect of inspector created. 2.) this case never indicates that removal of the interior walls, finishes and details might have structurally compromised a building that pre-dates codes. 3.) in this case, if the structure was required to be preserved, the responsibility lies with the the architect (and a structural engineer whom the architect was required to retain or direct unless the architect a.) judged that the architect individually had the knowledge to excite the design, b.) erred and omitted to recommend retaining an engineer.)
Short of the above and an unsupervised or incompetent builder, or a nod and a wink, this is Martha’s Vineyard, and any construction project’s parameters are not a surprise.
This building did not collapse in one heap, it was decisively removed. Putting aside it being a collection of other older buildings with plans intended to preserve that assemblage, the property was occupied by historic individuals over the centuries as that fact made this house a landmark and it should have been preserved.
The owner, the architect, the inspector and the contractor all knew this and that is the stewardship that they should be held accountable.
Amen.
Adrienne off islandAmen.
"Parts of the house were
Mill House: Ouch! Tisbury"Parts of the house were built before 1900. Referral to the commission is required for the demolition of any building more than 100 years old. "
What is not to understand here?
The words "renovations . . . to include to **demolish** portions of dwelling interior and **exterior* per plans and description only” should have been a huge red flag. We are in bad shape if our building inspector has so little appreciation of historic structures, OR of MVC regs. All members of the Buidling Department should be sent for workshop training on dealing with historic structures, and their owners.
Our historical heritage is part of not only our soul but also our bread and butter. Sure sounds like the builder, too, took it upon himself to take unilateral action, as judge and executioner, on this historic structure.
I feel sorry for the owner, who sounds well-meaning but clueless. The moral of the story for her, and others: Don't rely on proxies when it comes to any kind of work on one's property, and esp. not on a historic structure. You must be hands-on. The buck will stop with you. Hopefully the previous owner has enough photos so that the house (and the view from the harbor)and historical details can be reconstructed, a la the rebuilding after a fire of the historic house on Ocean Park, by Peter was it Norton?
perhaps VH needs to replace
Jill 68A Look St. Vineyard Havenperhaps VH needs to replace the building inspector? lol
Bartwick action or lack of
Loss of Island History EdgartownBartwick action or lack of action appears to be at the center of this historic home demise and that of another iconic building, the Santander Bank’s tile roof.
And although Ahearn’s work is beautiful, I do not believe that these house have any part of them that can allow them to maintain their “built in 1750 or so” when they have all replaced siding, windows and take over the whole property guest house and pool included!
Seems the common belief here
Interested Off Islander Nearby MassachusettsSeems the common belief here is that what happens to the property is everyone's decision except the owners. Wonder what will happen when it's your turn to improve your property.
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