The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will review a proposed demolition of one of the oldest homes on the Edgartown harbor, voting to consider the project a development of regional impact.
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will review a proposed demolition of one of the oldest homes on the Edgartown harbor, voting to consider the project a development of regional impact at a meeting Thursday.
Known as the Harman House and located at 189 Katama Road, the two and a half-story, 8,000-square-foot Colonial-style home dates to 1916 and is a prime example of historic trim and molding, with original, antique blown glass window panes throughout the building, according to a commission staff report.
The home, situated on a bluff above the harbor, is visible from the water.
Project applicants are Steve and Ellie Wise, who according to real estate records purchased the waterfront property in April for $11.2 million from the Harman family trust. An adjacent waterfront property was purchased by the homeowners on the same day for $4.8 million.
The historic home demolition was referred to the commission for concurrence review by the Edgartown building inspector, qualifying as a mandatory referral because the home is more than 100 years old.
The project applicants declined to provide a plan post-demolition, saying in a letter to the commission that they did not intend to restore the home. They noted that the house has nine bedrooms and one shower, a third floor addition from the 1980s, has fallen into disrepair, and does not meet commission energy standards.
“We do not plan to restore the house at 189 Katama Road as the economics are working against us. We believe investing our time and money in a new structure, one that will benefit the town and the harbor economically and aesthetically, is the best option,” Mr. and Ms. Wise wrote.
Commission historic preservation planner Christina Mankowski scored the home a seven out of a possible 13 in its historic structure screening, meaning it has limited historical significance. The home received the highest possible score for visibility and historic design.
In their letter, the homeowners disputed the commission’s historic assessment, saying its score should range between four and six.
Although the home is outside the Edgartown historic district, a letter from the town historic district commission advocated for the review and retention of the home by the commission, noting that the wainscoting, molding, plaster, floors and windows are all original to the house, and that it has a “commanding” location on the harbor.
At the meeting Thursday, commissioners Ted Rosbeck and Brian Packish took issue with the commission’s assessment of the house, describing the historic structure rating as subjective and advocating for not reviewing the demolition. They also questioned why the historic district commission had submitted a letter regarding the house, despite the fact that it lies outside the jurisdiction of the town’s historic district.
“I’ll be voting no [on whether to require a review] primarily because I have too much respect for the town boards and entities that have regulatory review of this project, once it makes it back to them,” Mr. Packish said. “The matrix bothers me on a variety of levels.”
But other commissioners said that while new home construction would fall under the purview of town boards, only the commission has the regulatory authority to review the demolition of the historic home.
“We have a letter from the historic district commission, asking us to review it. I think that’s important,” commissioner Linda Sibley said. “I think we should concur because I don’t think the town can duplicate our powers.”
After continued discussion, commissioners voted 10-3 to concur on the project, meaning it will require a full review.
Commissioners Jeff Agnoli, Christina Brown, Fred Hancock, Michael Kim, Kathy Newman, Ben Robinson, Doug Sederholm, Linda Sibley, Ernie Thomas and Jim Vercruysse voted to concur. Commissioners Josh Goldstien, Brian Packish and Ted Rosbeck voted not to concur.
Commission staff said a public hearing on the demolition would likely be scheduled for early August.
In other business Thursday night, the commission discussed a request from architect Sam Dunn to modify a condition on a 10-unit mixed-use development in the old Santander Bank building that was approved earlier this year in downtown Vineyard Haven.
Mr. Dunn asked the commission remove a clause in the conditions that limits condominium owners from renting the apartments for more than 21 days per year, saying the limitation was unnecessary because the condition already included restrictions that limit rentals to no less than one week, three times per year.
A master deed allows the condominium board to waive restrictions by a two-thirds vote in circumstances of hardship.
Commissioners agreed that the 21-day limit was unnecessary, but wanted to continue adjusting the recommended language. They requested the modification come back before a commission subcommittee.
Comments
It is so sad to see where
Edgartown resident EdgartownIt is so sad to see where this island is heading. The little bit of history we have left is slowly being completely taken over by rich greedy off islanders looking to make a profit and build up bigger, newer, and grander. The historical society has every right to step in and try to preserve a little part of what our island used to be.
If the new owners can afford a 11.2 million dollar home in the midst of a world wide pandemic, surely they can economically make it work to preserve at least part of the home.
Thankfully the MVC decided to
JPC EdgartownThankfully the MVC decided to hold a hearing to consider the historical significance of this house overlooking Edgartown Harbor and thanks to the Historic District Commission for the history behind this house hopefully it can be saved and restored and not demolished and replaced with another obscene Macmansion .
What a shame,the owners just
Islander edgartownWhat a shame,the owners just wanted this historic building gone.
Get over it man…
Rich NUGet over it man…
I couldn’t agree more! What a
Laurie EdgartownI couldn’t agree more! What a waste of time and people’s money…Why save old rotted buildings??? What is Historical anyways? A few folks with to much money and to much time on there hands dictating what one can or can’t do to there property…
I think it’s a shame that
OSP Alexandria Va/ ChilmarkI think it’s a shame that they aren’t willing to restore this beautiful and historic house. It will be missed.
Does the MVC have authority
Walter MarylandDoes the MVC have authority to mandate requirements for the replacement structure to match the style and historic features of the existing structure, or mandate approval of the plans for the replacement structure? This could limit what the new owners can do to insure the aesthetics and charm of the town and harbor are preserved.
Hopefully, the historical
K BrooklynHopefully, the historical review will compel saving materials, like the blown-glass window panes, from demolition to be used by people who will appreciate them.
So the new owners spend $16
RB EastvilleSo the new owners spend $16 million in ONE DAY, then complain "the economics are working against us". A brand new level of absurdity.
That is a great funny comment
Bob EdgartownThat is a great funny comment on where we are today in society. You wait if they are allowed to tear down they will have to give people a chance to repurpose the building elsewhere and no one will take it.
They spent $16 million,
AM 02539They spent $16 million, intending to tear down the existing historic structure, and they aren’t able to present a plan of what they are going to do next / how it will impact the community given its position?
When the 16M was paid you can
Mike SomewhereWhen the 16M was paid you can bet they had a plan.
Tear down the old house and build a new one.
Once the old house is gone, they will hire an Architect to realize their vision
It's outside the Historic Zone, unless there is some unusual historical significance, (the trim, flooring,and glass, which could be required to be repurposed,) it may be a lost cause saving the old structure.
We can only hope what that vision is, is congruous with its surroundings.
But as Ted and Brian put it.
It's subjective.
Seems to me the house is
Bill MacKenty EdgartownSeems to me the house is ready to fall apart and has been in long neglect. I trust the new owners to reconstruct something in good taste in keeping with the character of the harbor.
How can you trust that they
Islander EdgartownHow can you trust that they will build something that goes with the “character” of the harbor when they will not even provide a plan?
I have known one of the
Bill MacKenty EdgartownI have known one of the buyers (an islander) since childhood, and have had numerous occasion over time to observe their temperament, taste and manner. I trust them.
Be like Nancy "just say no".
WD Vineyard HavenBe like Nancy "just say no".
As usual MVC oversteps its
here we go again edgAs usual MVC oversteps its bounds. The town can handle whats best for it to avoid another monstrosity like next door. Just because its old doesn't make it of historical significance. Its easy to tell others what to do once you have yours... let them build, assess it accordingly and send them the property tax bill which I'm sure will be higher than the current bill.
So sad to see the Vineyard
Isobel Silva EdgartownSo sad to see the Vineyard heading in the direction of environmental, architectural, and community destruction. Why come here to demolish our beauty and uniqueness? MVC, please do the right thing
There is only one solution...
RonaldThere is only one solution... DONATE THE HOUSE TO THE PUBLIC!
MVC needs to step up and
Abigail Hughes EdgartownMVC needs to step up and start preserving the character and heritage of this Island before it is gone forever
Where have all you been the
John Vineyard HavenWhere have all you been the last dozen years or so as this “historical” house has been falling apart - any of you been trying to “save” it. Get over it, in my America when someone buys home that’s NOT IN A HISTORICAL DISTRICT, (not withstanding that 9 bedrooms and ONE bathroom is truly “historic”) they should not be required to restore & maintain its history.
This 100 year rule is pure
mark acker EdgartownThis 100 year rule is pure ignorance. It means every year one or more houses enters the endangered list, who can keep track. Each town should simply designate right now any home they consider historic, even if it is only 90 years old. Or if it is 125 years old and has no significance, don't include it. Case closed.
Complaining about the
Sarah VirginiaComplaining about the "economics working against" them might have been something which shouldn't have been said out loud.
We have plenty of people here
Katherine Scott IsburyWe have plenty of people here on the Island who can renovate/restore this old lady up to modern standards while preserving the charming external features. Perhaps someone could give this new rich owner a list of such companies. This is done all the time in Europe so that those lovely cities that people pay $$$ to visit retain their charm.
The view from and of our harbors is a principal attraction of the Vineyard. "Local charm" is has been created locally (duh) and is truly a community asset. For locals, too, returning from off-Island and seeing their harbors and the unique local charm of their home island is worth more than $$$$.
Let's not have another fiasco like the Mill House on VH harbor.
MVC and towns: Please take steps to formulate clear policies that prevent rich people from coming here and ruining everything that supposedly brought them here. Frankly, I wish the celebs, politicos, and hedge fund managers from who-knows-where had never "discovered" the Vineyard.
The building has significant
Peacegirl EdgartownThe building has significant mold and lead paint and is outside of the "historic district." Do you think this structure has exceptional beauty? It's old and has been neglected. It's an eyesore. The 80's addition on top floor is hideous. Maybe they will repurpose the antique blown windows,molding etc. I am sure they will build and aesthetically pleasing home that will compliment the harbor landscape.
This house was built by
Ken Edg.This house was built by people that enjoyed the island and wanted to be here. I dont know if the new owners bought it for an investment and just plan to flip it or not. Anyway it should be preserved to remember simpler times where people could enjoy life without spending millions to do it.
This beautiful piece of
Jonathan EdgartownThis beautiful piece of history should be preserved. There are lots of nice lots on the Vineyard on which to build.
Don't buy historic homes with
TisKid VHDon't buy historic homes with the expectation you can demolish them, because maybe you can't. Then don't complain about the economics working against you because you were supposed to know that when you bought it. I'm glad the MVC is reviewing this.
This decision is another
Jim S Edg HarborThis decision is another potential inflection point for the relevancy of the MVC. What is the purpose of this organization if curbing the rampant destruction of history and our community’s identity isn’t under their purview?
To a hammer, everything looks
GMW VHTo a hammer, everything looks like a nail! The historical committee has an important and powerful purpose, but we have to push back on overreach. This house is not in the historical district and the crumbling walls have no value to anyone.
If we let this pass, who’s to say that they won’t impair your house or my house?
As this article clearly
Lauren J RiversideAs this article clearly states the house is NOT in the historical district and thus the MVC should let these new owners make the decision that best suits their family. And where was the MVC when that hideous 3rd floor addition was put on in the 80s? How many of you arguing against the demolition of this house have actually been inside of it? Not everything that is old is historical. Letting the MVC have control and input over something out of their jurisdiction is a very slippery slope.
Note that not all the
Helen EdgartownNote that not all the Commissioners on the historic Commission signed the letter - presumably agreeing that, as a lot of readers here have acknowledged, just because some of the house is old doesn’t mean it is of historical significance. As others have pointed out, if the new owners donated this who would want it. Not me. Asbestos and those hideous 1980s additions. This house was ruined long ago.
The MVC is no longer
Elsa Brown WTThe MVC is no longer reviewing this because the demo permit was withdrawn. Move on everyone!
It may not be in the Historic
KR NYIt may not be in the Historic district but the house is visible on the harbor. I say keep the historic integrity and aesthetics of the exterior. Way too many McMansions on the island already. Without a new plan from the new owners, I for one would not expect them to build anything in the historical vein.
This house has been in
david finkelstein West TisburyThis house has been in disrepair and not invested in for many years. The wonderful lady who owned it had to build another house next door so she could have a usable place to live. It was owned by a wonderful family and now owned by another wonderful family.
They will take care of the property and the old house with it’s current mold, leaking roof, cracked walls and trim and windows and doors that partially work
Let’s be kind, and give the new owners a chance to figure out how to repair this house
My Edgartown is from 70 years
Fred Williamns OregonMy Edgartown is from 70 years ago. It now exists only in my memory. Time moves on and, at best, we can only delay change. Say goodbye now to this once beautiful home, or say goodbye later.
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