1/21/2009 10:55:00 AM Last chance for 'The Pink House'
It’s no mansion, but the Fitchburg Historical Society believes this house, constructed by a Swedish carpenter around the turn of the century, has several unique features and is an integral part of the area’s history.
The Alexander Co. still plans to raze the Anderberg house on Feb. 2, despite the pleas of the Fitchburg Historical Society and two aldermen to protect it.
The house, often known by its pink stucco, isn't in best of shape but those trying to protect it from the bulldozers say it represents an irreplaceable part of the city's history.
"The house will be demolished and we won't let anyone in (it) beforehand," said Dan Peterson, director of communications for the firm. Tenants in two houses on the site have been told to leave by Jan. 31.
"As an owner of the two properties, we do not feel an obligation to open their doors so the public can take whatever it wants. Is it common practice for a property owner to let random people scavenge for materials in their properties? I didn't know it was," Peterson wrote via e-mail.
In a Jan. 14 letter to Randy Alexander, president of the firm, Richard Blaney, president of the Fitchburg Historical Society, said although the house, which was constructed more than a century ago, might not be "a stately mansion or a striking piece of architecture," it was "interwined with the cultural and social heritage" of the community.
According to the letter, the house at 2853 Oregon Rd. was built by a Swedish master carpenter who worked on several other Madison landmarks, and contains hand-painted murals, and other interior features characteristic of the Arts and Crafts style.
The Fitchburg Historical Society has asked the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider the house for landmark status.
Tom Miller, an architect employed by the Alexander Co., whose opinion Peterson cited in the firm's decision to raze the house, said he "had taken a brief look" at the house and would evaluate the request of the Fitchburg Historical Society and accompanying information.
Ald. Jay Allen also appealed to Alexander to preserve the house. " I am certain that you were aware that the Historical Society was examining this home, and I find it disturbing that you would proceed in this manner. In talking with Joe (Alexander) as recently as two weeks ago, he told me that there were no plans to demolish the houses. Now, in the wake of the Historical Society's interest, plans were suddenly made," Allen wrote.
Peterson also accused the Star of biased reporting because an article written by Rich Eggleston did not indicate he was a member of the Fitchburg Historical Society. He also objected to references in the article to statements on Alexander Co.'s Web site about the firm's projects involving the preservation of historical sites.
"Everyone who read the article thought it was biased (against the Alexander Co.)," Peterson said.
Tenants have not indicated whether they plan to voluntarily leave the premises by Jan. 31.
The houses and Drumlin Gardens are part of a 70-acre development known as the Novation Campus; part of the area is in Fitchburg and the rest is slated to become part of the city upon the dissolution of the Town of Madison within 14 years.
Peterson said the firm is willing to work with the Community Action Coaliltion to extend the annual lease so residents can continue to use the garden, but said it was not responsible for finding an alternative location.
Fitchburg, a planning firm hired by the Alexander Co., and the Town of Madison have developed a plan for the area, which is known as the Southdale Neighborhood.
Fitchburg's Common Council recently made several minor revisions to the plan, including the recognition of Drumlin Garden; these changes which were subsequently changed by the Town of Madison, thereby requiring further negotiations between the municipalities.
Previously, the plan made no reference to the Drumlin Garden.
Peterson challenged the contention that Drumlin Garden was an organic garden because the soil had never been officially certified as organic.
City attorney Mark Sewell said the city's building inspector must issue the demolition permit requested by Alexander Co.
Ald. Steve Arnold said the city's ordinance governing demotion was inadequate, and urged revising it to encourage the reuse of buildings, require the deconstruction of buildings so less space is required at landfills and recycle materials, and encourage the use of buildings for training exercises by the fire department.
