One of Springfield's oldest homes may be demolished.

[Gypsy Heart]

One of Springfield's oldest homes may be demolished.

25 Elliot Street was gutted after a fire tore through it in January. Now the duplex that was built in the late 1800's may be brushed away with the debris. The owner, who lives in Wellesley, requested a demolition permit from the historical commission, cutting her financial losses of an estimated $2 million dollars to restore the building.

"Each house doesn't make a district, but as they get lost to fire, it gets more critical that the district is threatened," said Stephen Jablonski, a local historic architect. Jablonski says the historic neighborhood along Elliot Street in Springfield could be one of those that's endangered.

"Someone with a lot of experience with renovating historic structures and a love for them could take this project on. But I wasn't surprised or disappointed by the fact that the current owner is not interested in restoring the property."

Jablonski says it would cost a lot bring the building back to life, but for the sake of the neighborhood he hopes to see someone buy it and restore the landmark building. "Once you lose too many teeth, you no longer have a beautiful smile," said Jablonski.

The Historical Commission will be voting within the next few weeks on whether to allow demolition or not.

[russau]

its a shame but sometimes you just gotta let it go! maybe a corperation or something like that could buy it and donate it to a historical soceity.

[rjw4law]

I grew up a few blocks from there....shame...maybe she could donate the land and property to the city or the historical society.