STONE HARBOR ─ At the confluence of 88th and First Avenue stood a Victorian residence known to locals as the “Chateau.” Having been a part of the borough’s heritage since 1910, the four-story Chateau was torn down and a new residence is to be erected on the property.
An anonymous tip and Cathy Smith alerted the Herald to the projected loss of this piece of local history the week of Feb. 14, and the Herald reached out to Stone Harbor officials for information.
According to the construction office, the Chateau is privately owned and they also confirmed that the demolition was a reality.
Borough Administrator Jill Gougher concurred with the construction office, saying that although the demolition was “regrettable,” the owner of the property had every right to build on the land.
“I sympathize,” Gougher said, referring to residents who had spoken out against the demolition. Gougher, whose home is built in the Victorian style, commented how modern homes are also being torn down in order for newer homes. According to Gougher, demolition began the week of Feb. 20.
The Chateau served the community of Stone Harbor as a rooming house in its early days, and was recently owned by Alvin Shoemaker.
Cathy Smith, who first contacted the Herald, attended the demolition sale and described the “beautiful” woodwork that was removed from the home.
Inspired by history, Smith went in search of more information on the Chateau. She found old photographs of the iconic structure, forever preserved in memory in black-and-white images.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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