The Elliot Street site, built in 1872 and adjacent to the federal courthouse on State Street, has been boarded since a fire in January 2008.
Historic duplex at 25-27 Elliot St., Springfield, boarded since 2008 fire SPRINGFIELD – The owner of a historic, fire-damaged duplex on Elliot Street pleaded with a Housing Court judge last week to regain control of her property, while she and lawyers said there are potential buyers who might restore the site.
Housing Court Judge Robert G. Fields said the owner, Angela Dennis, is free to market the property over the next 60 days, at which time he will review the case again.
However, Fields said he is keeping the New England Farm Workers Council in place as the court-appointed receiver to manage and maintain the property, not convinced yet that Dennis has the capacity to manage the property herself.
The property at 25-27 Elliot St., built in 1872 and adjacent to the federal courthouse on State Street, has been boarded since a fire in January 2008.
If a market sale is deemed unfeasible, Fields said he would consider a proposal for a foreclosure sale on the property by the receiver.
Dennis recently filed a motion to discharge the receiver, with a formal decision not yet issued by Fields.
Glenn D. Goodman, a Springfield lawyer representing Long Wharf Financial, a lienholder on the property, urged against a foreclosure sale, saying there are some “bona fide offers in the wings.”
Dennis and her lawyer, Maurice C. Powe, said there are discussions with potential buyers, but Powe said it may take until the fall for results.
Lisa C. deSousa, associate city solicitor, said that saving the property from demolition remains a goal of the city.
“The city continues to be optimistic that someone will come forward who will be able to rehab the property,” deSousa said.
The Farm Workers Council has been unable to secure grant funds or tax credits to renovate and restore the property because it does not own the site, according to the council’s lawyer, Dennis Powers, of Springfield.
There was significant damage to the interior due a destroyed roof and exposure to the elements after the fire while under prior ownership, according to city officials.
Both the former owner and Dennis sought permission to demolish the building, denied by the Springfield Historical Commission.
The Farm Workers Council has submitted bills totaling $33,770 for its expenses since December of 2008, including legal costs, architectural services, a temporary roof, a fence, maintenance and inspections.
Dennis is contesting some expenses but offered to pay the $33,770 immediately if she could get back control.
Fields advised Dennis and Powe that he stands ready to consider any evidence of her capacity to manage the site herself.
Preservation Massachusetts, a nonprofit historic preservation group, added the Elliot Street building to its “Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources” list last fall. The building is located in the Quadrangle-Mattoon Street Historic District.