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Story update: One of the houses was demolished in October. (Oct. 30 Tribune)
MONROE — Two historic houses in downtown are slated for demolition at the end of October if they don’t get moved and relocated, according to a trustee of the local historical society.
For years, the group has strived to save the Historic Buck Houses at 135 and 143 S. Ann St. Where they stand is being prepared to be a new mixed-use apartment building.
Trustee Tami Beaumont said she got word they are slated for demolition as soon as Oct. 30, and verified the demolition permits are in hand for both houses.
“We’ve got six weeks, and if anyone can pull a rabbit out of a hat, please do so,” Beaumont said Monday.
The houses are free to anyone who wants them, but would cost upwards of $75,000 each to move depending on distance.
They’re some of the oldest houses in Monroe still standing, Beaumont said, and the structures are solid.
She’s been working together with site owner Emanuel Popa to save them. Both want to see them moved.
However, past plans disintegrated for various reasons.
The latest plan would have seen them moved to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, but that fell apart due to timing, Beaumont said. The houses would have needed to be stored and winterized, she said.
Monroe pioneer Siralpha Buck built both: One for his family in 1901, and one for his son in 1903.
The future site plan would see a three-story mixed-use building with 16 apartment units upstairs and commercial space on the ground floor. The construction documents have been winding their way for approval at city departments.
To inquire with Beaumont on the houses, call (360) 348-1176, or to reach the society, email info@monroehistoricalsociety.org or see ”Historic Monroe WA” on Facebook.
