The Massachusetts Land Court has dismissed the latest in a string of lawsuits brought by Edgartown attorney Benjamin L. Hall over the Yellow House, which was taken by eminent domain four years ago.
The Massachusetts Land Court has dismissed the latest in a string of lawsuits brought by Edgartown attorney Benjamin L. Hall over the Yellow House, which was taken from his family by eminent domain four years ago.
Mr. Hall filed the lawsuit in March 2020 on behalf of a family trust, Shute Realty, claiming the town of Edgartown violated setback requirements in its zoning regulations and failed to seek review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission when it issued building permits to renovate the neglected property and a smaller building next door.
After years-long efforts to get the Hall family to fix up the historic property located on the corner of Main and Summer streets, the town of Edgartown acquired it by eminent domain in 2017. The Hall family was paid $3 million.
The Yellow House reopened last summer after a $2.5 million renovation directed by businessman Christopher Celeste, who leased the property from the town. The ground floor of the building is now occupied by the sportswear store Lululemon.
In a 19-page ruling dated Feb. 18, the Hon. Diane Rubin found that Shute Realty did not appeal the building permits within the 30 days required by law, even though the record shows Mr. Hall knew the permits had been granted.
“As Shute makes clear in its filings, not only is the property located directly across the street from Shute’s offices, but Shute’s affiliate owned the property prior to the town’s eminent domain taking and Shute had kept a watchful eye on the property ever since,” the ruling said.
“Moreover, protracted litigation over the property had been underway between Shute [and its affiliate] and the town for many years before any of the permits described above were issued.”
Judge Rubin ticked off four other lawsuits brought by Mr. Hall against the town over the Yellow House, all of which have been dismissed or resolved in favor of the town.
The decision dismissed the lawsuit against all the named defendants, including the Edgartown zoning board of appeals and its individual members, the building inspector, the board of selectmen and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

Comments
I, for one, miss the decrepit
Progress! Right hereI, for one, miss the decrepit Yellow House. It think a vestige of Old Vineyard is better than a Lulu Lemon ... I think most things are better than Lulu Lemon. Counting down the days until mother earth reclaims it all. Anyone else?
Diametrically opposed to your
Kenny EdgDiametrically opposed to your point of view. The Old Yellow House was a firetrap danger waiting to happen. If it went up so would have that side of town. I have no problem with how it turned out.
I'm not a big fan of eminent
Richard J. O'Neil Naples, FLI'm not a big fan of eminent domain! However, if you take care of your property you don't end up in these situations.
Eminent Domain so we can get
Sam OBEminent Domain so we can get some chain store Luelemon? Really?
I am amazed that the Town can
Bob EdgartownI am amazed that the Town can take this property by eminent domain.. My parents house was taken by ED back in the early 1950’s to build a highway... why exactly was this property taken from Mr. Hall? For a Lululemon?
Do a little research, Bob.
Kenny EdgDo a little research, Bob. You'll find there were plenty of articles written about the decline of the Yellow House.
As long as I can remember,
Kate BostonAs long as I can remember, anytime we pass that building my parents always say that "used to be a great book store" -- I always wondered how the owners let it get so bad. Although Lululemon logo seems off-brand for Main Street, I'm happy to see the building get the TLC it deserves. What a beautiful project Christopher Celeste led. Let's talk about that :)
Agreed! Christopher Celeste,
Nancy Vineyard Haven (and New Albany, Ohio)Agreed! Christopher Celeste, you are the man! Great job on this and your other Vineyard projects.
That was my store, in the 70
Louise (Kroehnke) Wadsworth GENESEOThat was my store, in the 70's, Unicorn Tales Bookshop. I'm glad the memory lives on!
The formerly decrepit Yellow
Chip Coblyn OBThe formerly decrepit Yellow House is reborn, a safety hazard removed, a store that caters to a youthful demo has a prominent spot in E’town and several jobs have been created—mostly for people in their twenties who would otherwise leave the island. In other words, a big win.
And before Unicorn Tales
Lost poetAnd before Unicorn Tales bookstore, there was a first floor store where a woman sold hand woven items. The four harness loom was in the store.
I do greatly miss the South Summer Street front door with beautiful door knob...mercury glass?... These were so many historic architecture features of the building.
Building should be painted the beautiful soft butter yellow.
Thanks for remembering
Louise (Kroehnke) Wadsworth GENESEOThanks for remembering Unicorn Tales! I was the owner of that store, my mother rented the house from Alfred Hall back in the 70's. I loved all great little shops that were in the Yellow House during our time there. Edgartown Camera was also our shop in the building for most of the 70's.Can it be that long ago? I am glad that this corner can be an asset to the town once again. I have fond memories of my time there.
No good deed goes unpunished.
laurie david ChilmarkNo good deed goes unpunished.
Ever grateful for all the added value the Celeste family has brought to Edgartown and the
care, consideration and good taste they brought to revitalizing the spot where the condemned yellow house wallowed for years. Vineyard Haven needs a family like this to take on and revitalize Main Street! Many thanks Celeste's!!
Add new comment