Tabor Academy announced on November 6 that it has changed its mind about moving forward with the controversial demolition of a historic house known locally as the Tenbrook House, and will instead welcome ideas for alternatives and consider any viable options to renovate or repurpose the structure.
Designed by prominent architect, and summer resident of Marion, H.H. Richardson and built in 1881, 192 Front Street was purchased by Tabor Academy in 2008 and was used as faculty housing while trustees assessed the building for future possible use. Last month, the house was slated for demolition to make way for an expansion of the school’s facilities within the three-acre parcel, which resulted in public outcry erupting primarily through social media.
In response, Tabor Academy Head of School John Quirk issued a statement on October 9 defending the school’s position that the Tenbrook House, also known as the Percy Browne House after its original inhabitant, could not be saved due to the financial impracticality of renovating the deteriorating structure.
Residents took to social media to criticize the school’s decision to tear the house down rather than restore it in keeping with the character of the village.
In his response to residents’ negative responses, Quirk said the school had engaged the Sippican Historical Society in its search for viable options to save the house, but the effort was unsuccessful.
On November 6, however, Tabor released a statement announcing the temporary delay in demolishing the “building of such historical and emotional interest to many” to allow the town, its residents, and anyone from the broader architectural community to make suggestions and bring ideas to the conversation.
“One of our mission tenets is to ‘promote a life-long love of learning,’ and we are always professing to our students the value of new, knowledgeable, and differing perspectives,” said Quirk. “To turn an over-confident blind-eye to the perspectives we have been receiving would be out of line with how we want to be as a school and how we want our students to be as thoughtful citizens. I don’t know that the essential conflicts of this dilemma are fully resolvable, and I want to be careful to manage peoples’ expectations on that matter.”
Quirk continued, “Some of the most creatively beneficial solutions arise, however, when thoughtful and careful problem-solvers bring their divergent perspectives and resources together into one goal-oriented conversation. Perhaps that can happen here and that would be a great outcome.
“No matter the outcome the investment of a few months and some open conversation is worthwhile, and I’m pleased we’re in position to delay,” said Quirk. “We will see what the next number of weeks bring in terms of opportunity, and adjust to reflect whatever progress is being made.”
The school included in its statement the disclaimer that it remains doubtful that a viable option exists that would appropriately satisfy the school’s needs and remain financially feasible.
Tabor’s plan to raze Tenbrook and expand the campus at the site had already entered the permitting process when public debate arose last month. It was originally slated for completion in early winter.
By Jean Perry