Reposting this Feature – Event Tomorrow – Details below
SWAMPSCOTT (Podcast) Residents from Marblehead, Swampscott, and Salem are working to save the historic General Glover House. There appears to be a short window of time to put a plan in place that could
save the home at its current site or move the structure to another location. Nancy Schultz, the Chair of the Swampscott Historical Commission, shares the latest information on efforts save to the home and why the structure should be saved. In the podcast, Schultz outlines several options that are on the table at this time while detailing the reason why there is a short window of time for residents to develop and implement a plan to save the Glover. There are important links and information posted below that provide further information to the topics discussed in the podcast. Please scroll down to review this post and click on the links. Also, there is a flyer below detailing an upcoming fundraiser (2/20) to be held in Marblehead at the Landing Restaurant.
Nancy Schultz – Chair, Swampscott Historical Commission with Bill Newell
Links & Additional Information
Webpage – Save the Glover This link has everything you will need to better understand the issue and get involved.
Please follow Save the Glover on Facebook @ Save the Glover | Swampscott MA | Facebook
Additional notes and information are posted below.
Donations can also be sent to: Save the Glover, PO Box 605, Swampscott, MA 01907
Checks made out to: Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, Inc., Please write “Glover Farmhouse” in the memo line
Volunteering and donating services is also greatly appreciated to make this preservation effort successful.
Send Questions and Comments here: contact@savetheglover.org (Email)
For more updates follow the: Save The Glover Facebook page
Questions & Answers
Q: What is currently being planned for the future site?
A: 140-unit development by Leggat McCall Properties has been approved for the historic Glover Farm site. See proposed Plans & Drawings
Q: Does the proposed development save any of the five historic buildings on site?
A: No, the current proposed development does not save or reuse any of the historic buildings on site, including the 1700s Glover House.
Q: Has a demolition delay been issued by the Historical Commission?
A: Yes, on April 20, 2023, the Swampscott Historical Commission issued a 9-month demolition delay.
Q: What does the demolition delay do?
A: Imposes a 9-month delay in demolition of a historically significant building, with the intent of finding a design compromise between the community and the developer to save the structure.
Q: By saving the house, is it intended to stop the development?
A: No, there is no intent to stop the residential development. Since there is space on site for both, the best scenario would be for the historic house to coexist with the new housing, something that is feasible, and has been done with other new developments. Other options would be to relocate the building to another site.
Q: The house has sat vacant for the last 20+ years, why is this preservation initiative just happening now?
A: This is the first time in the 250 year history of the house that approval has been granted to demolish the Glover House, and not try to reuse and preserve it.
Q: What is the goal for this preservation initiative?
A: The goal is to take the opportunity when the site is redeveloped, to restore it, and give the house of an important American hero and military veteran the recognition and care it deserves for future generations.
Q: Can the house be saved?
A: Yes, after a structural survey, the original 1700s house can be restored.
Q: What is the condition of the house?
A: While many of the later additions from the Glover restaurant era are in poor condition, the original 1700s house and ell are in a condition that can be stabilized and restored.
Q: Is there enough left of the original house to be saved?
A: Yes, the original 1700s House is still intact, just surrounded by later additions, with the original foundation, roofline, center chimneys, fireplaces, molding, wall paper fragments, and beams still existing to this day.
Q: Is the house listed on any of historic registry or inventory?
A: The house has been added to the Massachusetts Historic Commissions state inventory of historic buildings. The house is also eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Historic Landmark under multiple criteria of significance.
Q:Are there examples of similar preservation projects?
A: Yes, throughout New England, and the country, there are numerous examples of buildings in similar or worse condition that have been recognized for their historic importance to American history, and been saved, stabilized and restored. See examples here
Q: What has been the timeline of the project?
A: Project Timeline
