Ok, I'll admit it, I had a pretty strong reaction to this story on Bloomberg.com this morning. The (mystery) owners of the
Philadelphia mansion known as La Ronda are planning to raze it to make way for the construction of a new home. My reaction: don't do it! And it seems that neighbors and local officials agree and want to negotiate with the owners to see if it can be saved. The mansion is a 51-room Mediterranean Revival-style villa located in
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It was commissioned by Percival Foerderer, the owner of a leather company and was the last project of architect Addison Mizner. Built on 233 acres, the 14,000-square-foot now sits on just 3.2 acres and was sold to owners who want to remain anonymous for $6 million in March. The township and preservation groups want to buy back La Ronda and are estimating they need $7 million dollars. What do you think?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. Sad to see it go but there are plenty of them in florida that are protected. One would really have to wonder why on earth they would pay that much for the 2 acres if they intended to demolish the mansion. Maybe they bought it figuring a quick profit by saying they were going to demolish it figuring the historic society and public would by it back to save it. Lets face it a million would be a tidy profit for a couple months investment.
Posted at 9:54AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by kilnntime
2. sad
if you are that selfish, build some where else,
this is the last project, the last house the arist built, it is a true work of art, Americans dont appreciate art, i grew up on the main line and now live in LA and trust me news of this hit LA fast. that house is solid, the craftmanship is incredible, somthing you cant replace once it is gone, But if you are to stupid to relize that, maybe you should open up your eyes and see the true work of art,
think! if you where to fix it up and return it back to its glory you would have a work of art that will only appreciate in value, and all your friends will love that you live in the coolest house in town.
dont tear this down, the town will hate you for ever
sincerely William Kelly O'Neill
Posted at 11:44AM on Jun 7th 2009 by william oneill
3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mainlineclicks/sets/72157620652296954/show/
enjoy!
Posted at 10:27AM on Jun 30th 2009 by mainlineclicks
4. Thanks so much for sharing your photographs! WOW! It would be a pity for this beautiful house to be razed.
Posted at 10:29AM on Jun 30th 2009 by Alba