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The Planning Board voted to approve the special permit application for the adaptive reuse of the Gilmore House. This decision ensures the building will be preserved rather than demolished. We will monitor the site to ensure the development proceeds according to the approved historic preservation plan.

August 16, 2024

Save the Gilmore House from Demolition

Save the Gilmore House from Demolition

🏆 Won — 216 supporters Verified

Final supporters

L
LeVesque M.
D
Danielle C.
S
Someone
E
Erin M.
K
Kenneth S.
M
Maureen S.
S
Someone
J
Jennifer M.
S
Someone
N
Nancy C.
+206 more
HS
Started by History in Stoneham 2 years, 1 month ago

We, the undersigned, support the Special Permit Application for 477 Main St. requesting the adaptive reuse of this historic property (the 1875 Onslow Gilmore House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places (STN.25) which is before the Stoneham Planning Board Wed Aug 14 at 7pm.

The plan is for the original house to be converted into two condominiums with an architecturally sympathetic addition with 5 condominiums over the current parking lot makes sense.

Without the special permit, the building will be torn down and condos built on the site anyway.

It's rare that a developer is willing to save a historic building; Stoneham has lost dozens of both residential and commercial properties since 2017, such as the Dairy Dome. The town now has an opportunity to retain a piece of Main St Stoneham history and increase the property taxes on the property.

Reusing the house preserves the identity of the neighborhood as it is a twin to the Clara Buswell House (STN.24) at 481 Main Street, also listed on the National Register. Similar Italianate-style houses dotted Main St after the Civil War; but these two are the only survivors with this Italianate design, with their gable-end fronts, bow windows, and ornate scrollwork.

Adaptive reuse is environmentally responsible. Repurposing this historic structure reduces the need for new construction materials and minimizes waste from demolition.

We urge the Stoneham Planning Board to approve the special permit and prevent this beautiful piece of history from being destroyed.

Updates

July 31, 2024

The Planning Board has confirmed receipt of the petition signatures. Our focus now shifts to reviewing the developers updated site plan before the formal committee hearing.

Reached 100 supporters

July 31, 2024

86 Comments

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Nancy Chapman
2 years ago Featured

I grew up at 481 Main St, next door to this house. This home is part of Stoneham history as is mine. Homes listed on the National Registry of Historic Homes should not be allowed to tear down. That would mean any historic building could be destroyed. How tragic.

H
Hillary Fotino
2 years ago Featured

It's a beautiful house with important history and it seems like a waste to tear down to build something new that will have 2 LESS condos than the adaptive plan.

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Cathy
2 years ago Featured

Please save this beautiful 19th century historical house with its granite posts and walls. It adds much needed character to Main Street and if the contractor is offering to keep it intact, please allow him to do so. Stoneham’s future residents will be grateful that a house built in the 1800s, was saved from destruction.

K
KRISTIN RUSSO
2 years ago Featured

Stoneham has an opportunity to preserve a historic building, preserving a piece of Stoneham’s history. These buildings are a reminder of the strength of town and provide a sense of identity. I urge you to give present and future Stonehamites a tangible piece of its history in which to continue building upon.

M
Michael J Davis
2 years ago Featured

A sensible balance between adding to our available housing stock and preserving our history is exactly what we should be doing when we can

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Susan Marshall
2 years ago Featured

Stoneham has lost so many beautiful houses, such as the Isola home at 62 High St. If a contractor is willing to save this house, let them. Stoneham is becoming unrecognizable with all the condo buildings and shopping. Please keep what character remains.

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1 year ago

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M
Mark Thuram
1 year ago

I highly recommend Morphohack Cyber Service to anyone looking to recover lost digital or crypto assets. I was shocked to discover that crypto assets can be stolen even when your secret phrase is securely stored. After falling victim to a hack that wiped out all my crypto holdings, I felt completely helpless. That changed when I was referred to Morphohack Cyber Service. Their team not only understood the complexity of the situation but also successfully recovered my funds. Their prompt response, constant updates, and thorough approach gave me peace of mind throughout the process. If you’re facing a similar loss, don’t hesitate to contact them. Their expertise and professionalism gave me confidence and they delivered in every way possible. They truly go above and beyond. You can reach them via E-Mail: [email protected]