NW neighbors fume as old house faces last days

by: TRIBUNE PHOTO: JOSEPH GALLIVAN - The Goldsmith house at 1507 N.W. 24th Ave. awaits its fate: deconstruction and replacement by townhouses or a last-minute reprieve from the wrecking ball.

by: TRIBUNE PHOTO: JOSEPH GALLIVAN – The Goldsmith house at 1507 N.W. 24th Ave. awaits its fate: deconstruction and replacement by townhouses or a last-minute reprieve from the wrecking ball.

Developer Marty Kehoe’s company bought the site at 1507 N.W. 24th Ave. in March for $1.5 million. Adding it to the smaller lot next door, he proposed to demolish the 1902 Queen Anne Victorian home and build seven townhouses. The Northwest District Association heard about the plan too late and tried to stop him. But Kehoe’s crew was already gutting the building.

Kehoe says he may still sue the city if a demolition permit issued on April 9, but blocked nine days later, is not eventually approved.

The house is a hulking, moss green structure that sits high above the street, partially obscured by large trees, on a 10,000-square-foot lot zoned for residential development. It was designed by architect Edgar Lazarus and is an example of the Shingle style.

During the April 24 Northwest District Association meeting, Kehoe showed up on his own to answer questions about the project. The first question: “Is there anything we can do to save that glorious home?” His short answer: “I don’t think there is.”

via NW neighbors fume as old house faces last days.