This Edwardian-era home in the Historic District will remain, at least for now, after a Zoning Board decision.
By MADDY VITALE
In a matter of minutes, the Historic Preservation Commission saved a piece of Ocean City’s history -- a 118-year-home that would have been demolished if the owners had their way.
In September, the commission rejected plans to demolish the house at 615 Wesley Ave. in the heart of the Historic District.
On Tuesday night during a remote meeting, commission members adopted a resolution to save the weathered three-story Edwardian-era home due to its historical significance.
Commission Chairman John Loper said in an Oct. 1 interview with OCNJDaily.com that the commission would like to see someone buy the now-empty home and restore it.
“There’s so much to that original building that is still there. There’s no reason that building should be torn down,” he said. “The building has a tremendous amount of street presence. It hasn’t been remuddled over the years.”
The home has exterior damage and overgrown shrubbery and vines surround the property.
On Tuesday, the commission adopted a resolution stating that although the house sustained damage, it is historic, and it is the commission’s belief that it could be saved.
The commission has the authority to approve demolition, new construction, or rehabilitation within the Historic District, which is between Third and Eighth streets and Central and Ocean avenues.
Before the commission adopted the resolution, which ultimately saved the home from demolition, members voted to strike a sentence that said it was not as historic as it originally was due to the damage. Then the commission voted in favor of an amended resolution to save the home.
The house is listed for sale at $999,000. It is 5,250 square feet with five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, according to real estate records. Owners can appeal the Historic Preservation Commission decision to deny the demolition permit to the Zoning Board.
Ocean City tax records list the owner at RJGVB LLC of Shippensburg, Pa. Over the years, the property has variously served as the Genevieve Guest House and the Koo-Koo’s Nest bed and breakfast, according to online real estate records.
The now-vacant home is for sale.
