HCT Finds a Solution for circa-1820 House
to meet Conservation & Historic Preservation Goals

The Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) is thinking outside the box to preserve a circa-1820 house and undevelop 2.6 acres at 185 Main Street in North Harwich received through a generous bequest from Lamont M. Smith.

Founded in 1988, the nonprofit HCT has preserved more than 323 acres. HCT preserves land to protect woods, water, and wildlife by accepting land donations, holding conservation restrictions, and purchasing land. Land donations, including the Lamont M. Smith bequest of land and house in 2001, account for a majority of lands protected by HCT.

The bequest was subject to a reserved life estate for Stevan Little, who passed away in 2003. The yellow clapboard Cape-style house looks sound from the outside, but a professional home inspection report estimated at least $187,000 in renovation costs could be required to meet town building code. HCT has been carrying the costs of annual home insurance and a liability risk while it researched all options, including undevelopment.

In the fall of 2006, the Town of Harwich Historical Commission reviewed the project under the 90-day demolition delay bylaw. Starting September 28, 2006, HCT voluntarily offered to more than double the demolition delay period as it sought proposals for removing the house as an alternative to demolition. The Harwich Historical Commission voted its support of HCT’s offer. Four different parties expressed initial interest in the house, and then withdrew interest as potential permitting or renovation costs became cost-prohibitive.

Not to be deterred, HCT decided not to exercise its demolition rights immediately and continued to review all options. One of the interested individuals also contacted William Gould Architectural Preservation of Connecticut (www.historic-architecture.com). With family in Truro, Mr. Gould is familiar with the Cape. He visited 185 Main Street, liked the house, and worked with HCT to find a solution for the bowed-roof Cape. He has more than 44 years experience in hand-dismantling, removing, rebuilding and restoring historic houses and buildings around New England. The house is still available for purchase and Gould encourages those interested to contact him.

Starting in mid-November, William Gould and his associates began the six-week process of dismantling the house, organizing and storing materials for eventual re-assembly offsite. William Gould will continue to seek people interested in providing a new location for the house. “Once the house is dismantled and removed, we can then move forward with our plans to restore the site’s natural qualities,” said HCT President, Robert Smith.

William Gould offered his architectural services at the right time. This un-development project coupled with historic preservation represents a creative partnership to both save the house and restore the land,” said Michael Lach, HCT Executive Director.