Old farmhouses and their place in the architectural history of the Island were a topic for discussion when a hearing opened on a plan to demolish a crumbling house in West Tisbury.
Old farmhouses and their place in the architectural history of the Island were a topic for discussion Thursday night when the Martha’s Vineyard Commission opened a hearing on a plan to demolish a crumbling house in the rural reaches of West Tisbury off Indian Hill Road.
Homeowners Jeff and Lois Meyer want to tear down the Greek revival home situated on 22 acres of rolling sheep pasture overlooking the north shore.
The house dates to around 1840 and was originally built for Edwin Luce, a whaling captain, according to documents provided to the MVC by the West Tisbury historical commission. It has the typical features of the Greek revival farmhouse style, with cornices, an off-center front door and the gable end facing the street.
The house is listed in MACRIS, the state database for historic homes, as well as a West Tisbury historic inventory done in 1986. It has not been renovated since 1948 and has been held by members of Ms. Meyer’s family for more than a century. The Meyers, who both attended the hearing Thursday with their architect Phil Regan of Hutker Architects, bought the house in 2018. The project had come before the commission previously with plans that were later withdrawn.
Home sits on hilltop off Indian Hill Road overlooking the north shore.
Home sits on hilltop off Indian Hill Road overlooking the north shore.
Photographs and a video tour at the hearing showed the badly deteriorated state of the home.
The owners want to raze it, along with two other non-historic buildings on the property, and build a new 4,600-square-foot residence. An old creamery with a stone foundation will be saved and restored. Old stone walls and sheep pastures are also in the process of being restored.
The demolition is under review by the MVC as a development of regional impact (DRI), as required for all homes that are more than 100 years old.
On Thursday Mr. Regan described a three-year process that began with a plan to renovate the old home, but in the end was found not feasible.
“We spent the last three years trying to figure out how to modify it,” he said.
He also downplayed the historical significance of the house, given that it is not visible from the road or situated in a downtown historic district.
“If this house was on William street [in Vineyard Haven] you could make a case for why this is important [to save] . . . but this house is in the woods,” Mr. Regan said. “It’s not that critical to the inventory of Greek revival homes on Martha’s Vineyard.”
But in the end, Mr. Regan and the homeowners said the extremely poor condition of the house left demolition as the only practical choice.
“If it was in great shape we wouldn’t be in front of you tonight,” Mr. Regan said.
The Meyers both described the family’s deep emotional attachment to the property. “We could not find an acceptable [way to renovate],” Mr. Meyer said. “And the emotional [part] is more the land than the house.”
Commissioner Fred Hancock disputed the notion that the remote location of house somehow made it less historically significant.
“I take exception to that . . . it’s a false comparison and I get tired of that argument,” Mr. Hancock said.
Commission chairman Joan Malkin said she was troubled at the loss of the Greek revival facade. “I felt that was distinctive,” she said.
Commissioner Ben Robinson said he was more concerned about the size of the new house, noting the trend on the Island toward larger residences at a time of growing concern about energy use and resource conservation. “We’re at a moment here, and the moment is think smaller not larger,” Mr. Robinson said.
The public hearing was closed with the written record left open for two weeks, to allow time to cement arrangements for photographic documentation and preserving parts of the granite foundation, as requested by the town historical commission, in the event that demolition is allowed.
Deliberations and a vote will follow later this month or in early February.
Comments
I’m trying to figure out if
Islander The IslandI’m trying to figure out if we need to replace a historic home, with a modern one? How about save the islands history and build something somewhere else o. The 22 acres.
The house is lovely and, for
David West TisburyThe house is lovely and, for a couple with the financial resources to build a 4000+ SF house, eminently possible to stabilize and restore. I once owned an 1850s Greek revival and, with a lot of love and effort, was able to steward it for 30 years and pass it on to new owners in better shape than when I bought it. Once a 19th century house is destroyed, it can never be replaced. If you don’t want to care for an historic home - DO NOT BUY ONE. We only have so many historic structures in West Tisbury and cannot afford to lose them.
I completely agree with
Gabrielle West TisburyI completely agree with Commissioner Robinson, its time to take size into consideration.
Tucked quietly away, atop
James EdgartownTucked quietly away, atop Indian Hill offering views of Vineyard Sound rests this 21 acre compound. The stately Greek revival offers five bedrooms and endless potential and a two bedroom guest cottage and separate studio provides all the additional space you have been looking for apparently not demolition of this historically significant compound is in the works a casual walkthrough and noticing peeling paint should not be grounds for demolition .
If you don't save this house,
MeadowParty EdgartownIf you don't save this house, what would be worth saving?
Mount Vernon's not downtown, either. Shall we just raze that? Monticello, too, while we're at it.
I'm disgusted that someone could not find "an acceptable way" to renovate this house. I'd wager it would be plenty "acceptable" to a middle- or working-class Islander who needs a home.
And do what with the Historic
David W TisAnd do what with the Historic Home - will you pay to maintain it so you can look at it as you drive by? I wonder how many people build their homes to be “historic Homes?” This house was built for a family live in. The new one will also be to live in.
If they are planning on
Jim S. EdgartownIf they are planning on building a 4600 sq/ft home, let's be honest, they never intended to restore this 2000 sq/ft antique home, expense is not part of this equation for them. How sad, it's such a wonderful glimpse into how things used to be as you drive down to cedar tree neck. I hope the MVC finally takes a stand on this rapid loss of the island's character and history.
If the MVC denies the
Bob OBIf the MVC denies the homeowners' request to demolish their own building, they can and should go ahead and build new elsewhere on the property and let the original house fall down on its own over time.
Exactly leave it the way it
Brian T WtExactly leave it the way it is and let it fall down…
This is another example of
Mary OBThis is another example of people not caring about the island or it’s history. This is becoming a regular event now. Tear down the old to build another. Another comment reflected my feelings well … why on earth did you purchase it if you did not want it? And there is plenty of room on 22 acres? To build a larger home. Preserve the history folks! Our island is very special and should not be taken over by money. It is all coming down to money, money money!
Mary, I agree. If one does
Lorraine EdgartownMary, I agree. If one does not wish to deal with an older property, why purchase it? Yes, these old historic houses are money pits, I know that, I own one and have done for decades and decades. I see so much of the island history being lost. If one has traveled the world, one sees many areas of historic buildings much, much older than in this country. In another vein, we simply have to get a handle on the wastewater situation on the island. If we are allowing more and larger buildings, we must upgrade our wastewater plants and deal with the wastewater and deal with the chemical runoff from fancy, overdesigned gardens and lawns.
We were told it would be much
Baa Baa Vineyard HavenWe were told it would be much cheaper to demolish our turn of the century home, but it was our Home, not just a “house”, so we chose to restore. From what I’ve read about this situation, they just want a larger house.
I did some work for the
Rez Williams WEST TISBURYI did some work for the previous owners of that house, Tony and Ann Parker. The work consisted of replacing a section of sill on the front gable end and replacing ceiling joists in the living room. In my work I took note of the condition of adjacent members and structures which I found to be sound and in good condition.
This is not only an historic structure but was well loved for its beauty and grace--elements that seem to be in very short supply now.
It is nice to have a comment
JG OBIt is nice to have a comment by someone who has actually. inspected and done restoration work on the house. As a someone who has had an architectural restoration business for 40 years, and served as the chairman of a local HDC, I have seen too many cases where an architect, or structural engineer, has been hired as a “hit man” to claim that a historic structure is too far gone, and is beyond saving. The claim, in the majority of cases, is rubbish. The buildings from the era were very well built, and worth saving, I suspect that Captain Luce made sure his house was well built, and if maintained, it should last centuries. These structures should not be thought of as disposable, or tear downs, they are a part of the history of MV, a history that is being obliterated one house at a time, by short sighted town governments and owners more interested in building something more suited to the southeast shore of Long Island. Why buy a historically significant house, and then ask to tear it down? And leaving a structure to rot, and not maintaining it is just demolition by neglect. I would think the house could easily be kept up, and rented by the current owners, while their new hose is built elsewhere on the property.
We are so tired of this "it's
Danny and Diane Vineyard HavenWe are so tired of this "it's too far gone" argument from the those who intend demolish and construct modern behemoth homes - architects, builders, owners. The Mill House comes to mind, for instance.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing - that cannot be repaired, if one were willing. Until a house is absolutely taken by an act of Nature, everything can be repaired. Every shingle, every window, every sill, every brick, every stud, every rafter, every floorboard. But none of this is even required with the Edwin Luce house.
If you are not prepared to care for a piece of history, do not become its caretaker.
MVC, this is an easy one.
I so agree with all the
Nancy G Vineyard HavenI so agree with all the comments to keep history alive, and it is all about money and size. If you have enough money to buy a property that size and pay to totally demolish it and build something over twice the size then there is enough money to bring it back to the life it was once built for-a Captain and his family. Is this what you want your precious MV to become-just an island for the rich who don't like “old”
I endorse Danny and Diane's
Wayne ChappyI endorse Danny and Diane's sentiment entirely. Even "crumbling" houses can be restored. Years ago I bought a vacant Berkshire farmhouse dating from 1755 that needed just about everything. With a modest construction loan, I replaced sills, windows, doors, rotted floorboards, heating system, roof; tore down drop ceilings, interior walls, a barn and shed that really were on the verge of collapse; added windows, skylights, and shutters. Soon the place was ready for the cover of This Old House. Neighbors thanked me. In the Vineyard case, it sounds like the current owners can afford to do at least this much, and perhaps expand the house as well, with approval from the Commission - the friendly watchdog that must now do its job. And yes, I applaud the owners for their commitment to preserve the land.
MVC should allow the house to
Paul ChilmarkMVC should allow the house to be given to the affordable housing stock for an eligible Vineyard family… then the owners can build another home for themselves.
Make use of the house.
These homes are usually built
Ken Edg.These homes are usually built with oversize beams and lumber run on a local sawmill. Its just not large enough for this family. They shouldnt have bought it in the first place. Historical homes are protected at least I thought they were.
I did work in this home for
Amy edgartownI did work in this home for the previous owner, Bob. Gorgeous home-at that time, well maintained. The history and stories he so proudly shared about this long time family home and property were incredible. Same family 100 + years at that time I beleive. Shame
This should not pass. I
Andrew Getty West TisburyThis should not pass. I understand that some homes need considerable work, and that many are unsalvageable, but that’s the reality of old houses. Preservation is key to maintaining the charm of this island, especially in areas like Indian Hill — also the location of my home, a quirky, 18th century whaling cottage. The argument that this home is ‘“not that critical to the inventory of Greek revival homes”’ due in part to location is shamefully flawed. Hopefully a reciprocal solution can be reached upon further consideration by the parties involved.
Please take a look at the
Brian Vineyard HavenPlease take a look at the house….not a piece of history I would want to preserve …..they have 22 acres and only want to build a 4600 square foot house … hats off to them …the Meyer family has owned the land for over 100 years…,,by the Meyers buying the property it is still in the family…it is not like a family of carpetbaggers moving in and wanting to build six homes….I love the Vineyard and have been coming here for 67 years … and I applaud the Meyers for preserving the 22 acres they have bought …
I don't understand what you
Carol formerly ChilmarkI don't understand what you mean by preserving the 22 acres they have bought. Preservation applies to the buildings, not the land. And historic preservation is supported by most Islanders precisely because people like the Meyers are razing the beautiful (tho you dislike it) old historic homes and literally ruining that part of the character of the Island. And how long we've all been coming (me, 63 years - my family, about 150 years) is quite irrelevant to that judgment.
Why did you buy a Historic
Klaus West TisburyWhy did you buy a Historic House just to tear it down? You should have just bought vacant land and build what you wanted.
Maybe if they were not
Bill Vineyard HavenMaybe if they were not planning to build a Mega-House they would receive more sympathy for dealing with the problems of an historic house in need of restoration. Destroying history is not the only way to destroy the Vineyard. Building large uses more energy of all kinds, something the island has a shortage of. On the other hand, preserving 22 acres should be rewarded. Can the commission make a deal? Build the house but promise to conserve the land. A big vacation house, used for only a few months a year is a small price to prevent 22 tract houses. If the owners really have an emotional connection to the land, let them prove it.
What's the difference between
Amy Fairfield, CTWhat's the difference between knocking down this house and the houses on North Water Street that are completely demolished save the one street facing wall and called a "renovation?" Nothing at all. Maybe the family can find a way to save the wall at the front of the house, add thousands of square feet and call it a renovation? Unfortunately there's precedence.
Agree 100 %. Edgartown has
Amy edgartownAgree 100 %. Edgartown has displayed a poor attempt to preserve the historical district. Just wait for the upcoming project on Kelley Street- approved before crucial details were even available, disgraceful.
Perhaps West Tisbury can do better before it is too late
Could they have it relocated
Brenda Leonard OBCould they have it relocated as a donation for low income housing?
Problem solved and a free home is a win.
The Vineyard is Tired of
Katherine Scott TisburyThe Vineyard is Tired of Teardowns.
Renovate and update. It can be done very tastefully. Look at what the Laskers accomplished at the Red Farm, just a few flaps away, as the crow flies, for a lesson in sensitive restoration, upgrading, and expansion.
https://www.tealaneassociates.com/blog/featured-property-for-sale-red-f…
The Laskers respected the history and essence of the old Robert Luce house, while upgrading it to be a very comfortable, roomy, and wholly original residence. Whether or not a house is visible from the road is irrelevant. The siting of these old houses is part of their historic value.
In the same neck of the woods, dear little Indian Hill Road is a hidden Vineyard gem.
I imagine the prospective owners were enchanted with this little undisturbed pocket of Island charm when the realtor brought them to view the house.
But for them the old captain’s house is just a teardown.
The Edwin Luce house can be renovated and an extension added that maintains stylistic continuity, while being completely modern. Architects who are tasked with expanding historic structures such as libraries and museums face this challenge on a regular basic. Even an amateur can come up with plenty of ideas to achieve this result.
I am part-owner of an 1850
Thomas Dresser oak bluffsI am part-owner of an 1850 Greek Revival house on the coast of Maine. Over the past 70+ years we have had to make some structural repairs, but I would not have it torn down under any circumstances.
If you bought the house in 2018, you knew what condition it was in. Too small? Too old? Too expensive to maintain? Buy a lot and build your 4000 sq ft mansion. Let someone who appreciates an old house buy it and care for it.
Add new comment