Demolition of Holman homestead fought by Summerside historical group

The Summerside and Area Historical Society says it is appealinga permit the city has granted to tear down the historic Holmanhomestead.

Kay Rogers, the owner of the propertysaidthe two-storeybuilding on Fitzroy Street was originally built as a parsonage for the Catholic church in 1854. Rogers saidthe home and surrounding land was purchased by Summerside merchant R.T. Holman in 1870.

I've tried all avenues here. Kay Rogers, owner of the Holmanhomestead

Rogers saidit would be sad to lose thathistory if the building isdemolished, but that she and her husband are seniors looking to downsize.

She saidthe homestead has been for sale foralmost two years with no offers, so theyasked the city for permission to tear the building down.

Summersideissued the permit Dec. 7.

"We certainly don't want to see it demolished, because it certainly does have significance to Summerside, and the Island and the Maritimes," saidRogers.'There's a lot of history there."

Owners plan demolition in spring

Rogers told CBC Newsshe unsuccessfullyapproached the PEI Museum andHeritage Foundationand the city of Summersideto see if they'd be interested in owning the property.

"I've tried all avenues here," saidRogers.

Once you destroy your history, you don't get it back.- Peter Holman,Summerside and Area Historical Society president

The Rogersplan to tear down the building in the spring, if a buyer doesn't come forward.

Rogers believes the property, because it's zoned commercialand is in the heart of downtown, would be a good place to build new condominiums.

The Summerside and Area Historical Society saidit is filing an appeal to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commissionchallenging the demolition permit.

Society president Peter Holmansaidthis has nothing to do with R.T. Holman being his great-grandfather. He saidhe was shocked seeing the demolition permit go up on the homestead's front door.

'Significant historical value'

"That such a historic property would be demolished when the residents of the city have been crying for a place to be able to establish some type of museum. This would be an ideal property in order to do that," saidHolman.

"There is significant historical value to this property."

Holman saida public meeting should have been held to discuss the owners'plans,before the city of Summerside issued the permit.

"I'm surprised that the present mayor and council have allowed this permit to be issued without any public consultation," said Holman. "Once you destroy your history, you don't get it back."

The Holmanhomestead has not been designated a heritage property by the city of Summerside, and so apublic meeting was not required.

'Push the character of the city into the21stcentury'

Summerside's chief administrative officer Bob Ashley saidproper procedures were followed in issuing the demolition permit for theprivate property.

"Certainly, I can appreciate the aspirations of heritage proponents and their passion to preserve the historical character of the city," saidAshley.

"But at the same time, the city's also occupied by other people, proponents who believe our heritage resources are adequate the way they are and want to push the character of the city into the 21stcentury."

Ashley saidif the city was to purchase theHolmanhomestead, property taxes would have to be increasedto cover the asking price and ongoing maintenance costs. He said he isn't sure that's a burdentaxpayers would be willing to take on.