Minneapolis Golden Mile looses another Mansion

Hello Readers.  I hope you are all doing well.  Today I share another sad destruction story and the incompetence of the City of Minneapolis PED staff member John Smoley.  Mr. Smoley allowed the  Destruction of 1925 Park Ave without even viewing the fantastic property.  He again signed off on a permit to destroy an even grander structure, the George Peavey Mansion at 2222 Park Ave.  The back history of the mansion can be found on my previous post: George Peavey Mansion History

Just a brief intro for those that are unaware, the mansion was built in 1903 for George Peavey, who was a HUGE contributor to Minneapolis history. There are several important sites named after the family including a park, plaza and fountain.  Not only is the Peavey name known well, but so is  the architect of the mansion, William Channing Whitney.  Whitney was a prolific architect and many of his homes are listed on the national register.  He is credited as having many ingenious modern inventions built into his homes such as central vacuuming, refrigeration and intercom systems.  He is still highly regarded for his advancement on Minneapolis architecture by breaking away from the traditional Victorian style and bringing a great influence of neo-Georgian  inspired architecture.

Last week the City of Minneapolis staff member John Smoley approved a $35,000 "remodel' permit for the home. Here is what that permit covered:

These photos above (although perhaps not the best) show that the front veranda spanned the full width of the front of the house to allow for gracious exterior living space set against the vast front yard.  Sadly this is one of the items Smoley approved for demo.  It was taken off because the owners did not want to invest a small amount of money to maintain the veranda so they just tore it off.

So after the ignorant owners destroyed the front they began work inside.

The fine original murals, wainscoting and trim work that stood for over 100 years has been reduced to this:

Where did all the fine woodwork go?   Just makes you sick doesn't it?

Imagine in 2013 simply destroying all this for no good reason.

I wanted to show the other photos I have of the rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Since I cannot access them I can only assume they have either been destroyed or badly altered from what they were just a few months ago.

 Close up photos of safe lock

 This was the sun room.

 This was in the library.

So other than John Smoley at the city of Minneapolis (He cant be reached via e-mail here should you wish to express your distaste john.smoley@minneapolismn.gov  or 612-673-2830) who in their right mind would not only destroy our history, but frankly STEAL it from the community?  Remember that this is not just any old house, it was the home of a great contributed to the city.  Imagine destroying a Vanderbilt home from the gilded age or a Rockefeller mansion. It is the same concept.  The agency that purchased the property for just a bit over 1 million dollars, plus the $35,000 "remodel" permit is a "non-profit" .  I don't think this is the best start to promote any understanding or community ties when you destroy the history of a city.  If organizations like this want large spaces go buy a pole barn, shopping mall  or something that has already been destroyed, but do not take something that is so beautiful, so intact and throw it down the toilet.  This organization has STOLEN a piece of our history along with Mr. Smoley that we can never get back. I hope that we can educate the public with examples like this of the incompetence and frankly stupidity of the actions of those that are in charge for issuing permits. How can someone think this is OK?  I understand the need to update properties into the 21st century but that does not involve destroying what took fine craftsman countless hours to produce.  These skills and artwork cannot be recreated. This would be like touching up the Mona Lisa. I mean how do people not understand that they are destroying ART when they do actions like this. SHAME, SHAME SHAME!!!

UPDATE:

As of 4/17/2014 we see why the porch was ripped off. To put up a beautiful cinder block wall.  The only reason I can suspect is for a long wheelchair ramp.

Here we can see drop ceilings installed and most of the historic character destroyed. 

If you like what you read and want to see this blog and projects keep going PLEASE feel free to donate something, even if it's only a little bit.  Every little bit helps on this restoration project. Thanks again!