Beverly Historical Society-The historic Loring House in Beverly will likely be demolished.

Coyotes Lived in the basement of Beverly’s Loring House when Helen Greiner bought the dilapidated seaside landmark in 2012 for $3.75 million. An impressive 19th-century example of shingle-style architecture, the house had fallen into such disrepair that it had been unoccupied for years. So when Greiner submitted a renovation proposal to the town’s Historic District Commission that year, it might have seemed obvious they should have welcomed the plan with open arms. After all, Massachusetts has far more historic sites than the state could possibly take care of itself, and a private owner willing to pay for the upkeep of a historic house is often the only way it remains standing.

But the five volunteer members of the Beverly commission found problems with Greiner’s plan, which they feared would have robbed the house of too much of its historical character — and those objections left them with a dilemma. How can a commission with limited powers best convince a property owner to respect historic details? The commission hoped that by using its only real power — to delay the alteration plan for one year — they could convince Greiner to preserve more of the structure. Instead, the move backfired: She pulled out of the process in frustration, and now the whole building will likely be demolished. It’s a warning that preservation commissions can end up being self-defeating if they are seen as so overzealous that homeowners determine it’s simply easier to knock down properties than endure the hassle....Continue Reading

> via The Boston Globe