ToadScoper OP t1_ir5jxsv wrote on October 5, 2022 at 2:29 PM

For those who want further context- ShineHarmony LLC (the current owners of Belton) has broken many promises regarding the preservation and rehabilitation of the mansion. Unfortunately, the estate does not have protections against demolition by private owners even though it's on the NRHP; this is mainly due to the fact the mansion does not currently reside in a designated historic district. Please spread the word about Belton Court, it's going to take a lot of people to ensure Rhode Island does not lose this seldom-known historic treasure!

n0tarusky t1_ir5r1hx wrote on October 5, 2022 at 3:18 PM

Meh, it's a cool looking old building that's currently doing nothing for the community. Tear it down and build more housing. I realize it's in Barrington so it wouldn't be affordable housing but it's better than the current situation.

ToadScoper OP t1_ir5wdln wrote on October 5, 2022 at 3:53 PM

Your missing the point… the owners are completely responsible for why nothing has been done with it in the first place- they sat on the property for over a decade and never started development (by extension the town of Barrington failed to do anything about it). The original plan was to use the mansion and the land surrounding the former Barrington college campus structures for housing. The adaptive reuse of historic structures is nothing new and is done all the time, and would be the optimal solution for Belton.

Pollyprim t1_ir6yt32 wrote on October 5, 2022 at 7:58 PM

This goes on all the time. Dirtbags buy old buildings and let them fall into disrepair. My old school in Pawtucket (built in the 1860s) was bought and nothing was done with it. Now the building, which was in pristine condition is totaled. I'm sure it will be torn down soon. Another piece of our history gone.

barsoapguy t1_ir6sh98 wrote on October 5, 2022 at 7:18 PM

Nah tear it down and build modern homes .

Background-Adagio-35 t1_ir80uma wrote on October 6, 2022 at 12:32 AM

Not to mention the tax credits that would have accrued to the developers. The town doesn't want required affordable housing.

vgwicker1 t1_ir7l9ox wrote on October 5, 2022 at 10:28 PM

If they have full responsibility and want to tear it down - so be it. All it’s doing is attracting late night visitors who will eventually die in the place; not to mention the pests multiplying there.
Unless they want to spend the $30 million on it only to be beat up by residents, go for it. Should RI have spent money on this or the Superman building?