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Gov. Healey steps in to stop demolition of the iconic ‘Pink House’
The move comes after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service questioned how a $1 million donation could save it.
Gov. Maura Healey announced Wednesday that the planned demolition of Newbury’s iconic “Pink House” will be halted as state and federal officials work with stakeholders to determine its future.
The demolition of the Pink House was initially scheduled to take place this week by its owner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The Pink House is a beloved local landmark that makes valuable contributions to the North Shore economy by attracting tourists and artists from across the county,” Healey said in a statement. “We look forward to continued conversations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to chart the best path forward for the Pink House, the community and the environment.”
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Advocacy from State Sen. Bruce Tarr, State Rep. Kristen Kassner, the nonprofit Support The Pink House, and the community has helped bring this topic to the forefront, but to no avail to save it so far.
The Pink House, built in 1925, stands alone along Plum Island’s vast marshes in Newbury, near the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2011, the federal agency purchased the Pink House and more than nine acres of upland, salt marsh, and tidal creek habitat.
However, a 2014 environmental survey found that the building contained over 3,000 square feet of asbestos, a severe human health risk. So, the house, which was bought already in disrepair, has continued to deteriorate.
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Despite its declining state, the house has remained a favorite for artists and a symbol of the region.
“The Pink House is an identifier of our state, as much as the Motif #1, the Gloucester Fisherman and the Citgo sign,” Support The Pink House president Rochelle Joseph said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful for the sincere interest and quick action of Governor Healey … and look forward to swiftly working on the very real solutions that exist.”
Keith Shannon, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region, confirmed that the governor’s office had contacted the service to discuss the Pink House before any further action is taken to remove it.
Shannon says the service will discuss the matter with the governor and the state over the next several days and will share details as it learns more.
Over the past eight years, the service has worked to identify an alternative solution in partnership with regional and national offices and the community.
The two approaches that have been “exhaustively explored” include finding suitable land for an exchange and finding an organization or individual to acquire and move the Pink House.
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The service says the Pink House is a dilapidated structure and safety hazard.
“Perpetual maintenance of an abandoned structure within an increasingly active flood zone is not compatible with the refuge’s mission to conserve wildlife and their habitats,” the service said in a statement. “Therefore, the decision we made to remove the structure is in the best interest of our conservation mission.”
Although the service appreciates the $1 million donation to help maintain the Pink House, it said, “We do not believe it affects the current course of action.”
The governor’s office’s move may change that outcome.
“The Pink House is an iconic part of the Plum Island landscape and an important economic driver to the region that will be gone forever once demolished,” Rep. Kassner said in a statement. “Working together, we have an opportunity to breathe new life into this cherished landmark that will serve our communities for decades to come.”
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