MECHANICVILLE - A historical cobblestone house, a landmark in the path of Urban Renewal progress, got a stay of execution Wednesday when UR officials acknowledged state Urban Renewal authorities had interceded.
Demolition of the pre-Civil War structure as part of the widening of the Hill Street entrance was slated under the contract let Donovan, Forma and Palmer Monday. The reprieve gives historical interests 10 days to act if they plan any action. The demolition firm began its contract at another section of the area today.
Historical groups have shown concern that the former Fort residence was to fall under the bulldozers and expressed sentiment the it should be moved to a new location. The Methodist Church wants the land where it is now located. The stone building with its large pillars, its interior fireplace and long lost history was acquired by Urban Renewal a part of a property purchase, including the former Fort Store at Hill and North Main St. It is necessary to demolish the store for widening purposes.
State Urban Renewal authorities requested that a brief stay be given to investigate and study a request to preserve the building. Nothing will be done, the local agency said, for at least 10 days on the advice of Charles Horan, UR regional administrator at New York. Horan apparently was recipient of the request asking whether federal funds were available for relocation of historic buildings within Urban Renewal areas.
It has been suggested that the residence be used as a public library after relocation and renovation. A check of the structure has shown that the north corner of the roof, with appears to be cut off, is actually enclosed within the attic of the attached store building. One pillar is apparently missing. However, an architect has pointed out that proper spacing of the present three pillars would restore the appearance of the structure.
Must find solution in 10 days
Urban renewal officials on the local level, who are apparently open to any workable solutions, pointed out that under the law all buildings on property acquired for redevelopment must be leveled. For this reason, the Fort cobblestone house could not remain on its present site.
They have acknowledged that federal funds are available for relocation of such buildings but that the building must be turned over to an acceptable historical society, which must also provide the new site.
It is understood that a state historical society was responsible for the present reprieve although its name was not available. Mechanicville does not have a historical society although a number of local people are members of the Knickerbocker Historical Society of Schaghticoke and hold offices and directorships in that society.
Granted the 10-day lease on life, the stone house stays or is pounded into oblivion depending on the state authority's findings. Richard Palmer blog.