The Cottage City historic district commission this week took a first look at a plan to demolish and rebuild a dilapidated building that abuts the landmark Flying Horses Carousel.
The Cottage City historic district commission this week took a first look at a plan to demolish and rebuild a dilapidated building that abuts the landmark Flying Horses Carousel.
Oak Bluffs businessman Joseph Moujabber appeared before the Cottage City historic district commission Wednesday night with preliminary plans for 10 Oak Bluffs avenue that would include a two-story historically accurate commercial building with a second-floor apartment.
The site, a tiny .04-acre lot that includes a vacant building with several small additions that once housed a variety store, abuts the Flying Horses, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mr. Moujabber, a part owner of Nancy’s Restaurant on the Oak Bluffs harbor, bought the property in December 2017 for $700,000, town assessor records show. The previous owner is Jane Peters of Marlborough.
Buildings on the site are currently unused. The town’s assessed value of the lot and the buildings is $702,500.
“The good news is, there’s not a single person in Oak Bluffs or maybe anywhere else that doesn’t want to see this building come back to life,” said historic district commission chairman Phil Regan. “That’s also the bad news. Because it’s going to be under a microscope.”
Designer Ethan McMorrow of Nantucket briefed the commissioners on preliminary drawings of the planned new building.
Some commissioners expressed concern about how the proposed new building would affect views of the Flying Horses building, and offered suggestions on the roof line and entrances. They also expressed a desire to keep the new design true to the long history of buildings on the lot.
“I see such a great opportunity to have that structure either restored or rebuilt,” Mr. Regan said. “It’s just such a critical block. You can drive all the way around it. It’s what you see when you come into town via boat. There’s just so much activity at that point.”
The commission voted unanimously to call a public hearing for the application and notify abutters.
The hearing will be held on Dec. 12 at 4:45 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs Library.
Comments
Arguably, this structure is
Chip Coblyn OBArguably, this structure is the first thing many visitors to the Island see when they debark. Right now it’s got to be quite a letdown, so I’m glad it’s going to get some attention at last.
I have such fond memories of
Amy Goldson Oak Bluffs/Turks&CaicosI have such fond memories of that site. As a child spending every summer in OB ,we went to that site every other evening. After 3 rides on the Flying Horses and clams&fries from G’s Clam Bar , we bought penny candy from the shop there. They had the biggest and best selection of “penny candy”! I hope that this memory can be restored and replicated for generations to come .
Memory must be fun. But kids
Kelce OBMemory must be fun. But kids don't buy penny candy anymore, and no business can survive its cost structure selling cheap crap like that over a 3 month season. Those days are over, unless you believe businesses should run at a loss. There's a reason the site has fallen in to decay and will likely collapse on it's own accord.
We are summer residents and
Nancy New YorkWe are summer residents and do hope that whatever changes are made they keep within the beautiful historical looks of
Oak Bluffs. This is such an importanct entry into this beautiful town. Thank you.
Really, after all these
keepa lowe WTReally, after all these decades of neglect which the town has allowed not only this building but also The Island Theater. What does it take to make town officials take owners of abused town structures in their HISTORIC DISTRICT to accountability. Now finally at the end of 2018,and only because the gift shop has a new owners,is something getting done. The Island Theater was left to decay before our eyes,year in and year out, and Hall family who owns it and other properties are allowed to let it rot.
I'm a life-long summer
Philip Chapman Burlington, CTI'm a life-long summer resident and remember when that business was located on Circuit Ave. Yes, it would be great if it could be rebuilt, but the Flying Horses is the more critical place to keep intact, of course. I spent many hours there during my teenage years - now in my 80s.
Are there any old pictures of
Karen Mancinone Bristol, CT & Family Cottage in Ocean HeightsAre there any old pictures of the corner??
I would love to see a picture of the original building prior to any additions!
Perhaps rebuilding the original would be an idea.
After 68 years, I Can’t imaging the corner being changed to anything “modern” in style.
Did the purchase include all of the four buildings 1) square by Flying Horses, 2) souvenirs, 3) gifts, and 4) variety (around the corner)?
Will the redesign/rebuild be all buildings except the Flying Horses?
Are there any old pictures of
Karen Mancinone Bristol, CT & Family Cottage in Ocean HeightsAre there any old pictures of the corner??
I would love to see a picture of the original building prior to any additions!
Perhaps rebuilding the original would be an idea.
After 68 years, I Can’t imaging the corner being changed to anything “modern” in style.
Did the purchase include all of the four buildings 1) square by Flying Horses, 2) souvenirs, 3) gifts, shown in the picture and 4) variety (around the corner)?
Will the redesign/rebuild be all buildings except the Flying Horses?
Being a Histroic Restoration
Dale Manning Oak BluffsBeing a Histroic Restoration Specialist, I would like to see the building restored instead of demolished.
Why is a “designer” from
Lydia Millet Reininger Oak bluffsWhy is a “designer” from Nantucket being a voice in who takes over this historic “Vineyard” property. How about Vineyarders decide.
Is there a reason why this
Steve MA, FLIs there a reason why this building can’t be refurbished and restored?
Hmmm this sounds familiar....
here we go again EdgHmmm this sounds familiar.... like someone who added the 2nd floor to a restaurant as 'storage space' which is now fully operational as a restaurant? Or built the 'garage-mahal' and threatened to turn it into a half way house?
Lord,is this going to be
Michael OBLord,is this going to be another roundabout?
ugh
It doesn’t take the gift of
Tom Minor Oak BluffsIt doesn’t take the gift of prophecy to see the sadly predictable outcome— a lot of back-and-forth bickering while Oak Bluffs continues to look like a toilet. Sad…
Of the side of the original
B. Practical Vineyard HavenOf the side of the original building, all of them have been hacked away and need to be completely rebuilt. Then the roof. Part of that has been cut away with the remaining portions rotted and needing replacement years ago. Then, the bottoms of the structural posts are rotten and bug infested. So, what are we trying to save? A memory perhaps? And that memory is covered in lead paint.
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