The iconic Plum Island landmark known as the Pink House was demolished on Tuesday morning, two days after people gathered in Newbury, Massachusetts, to bid farewell to the century-old structure.
The house, a beloved subject for artists and a fixture in the community, was taken down by U.S. Fish and Wildlife despite years of efforts by a local nonprofit to save it.
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Video from the scene showed an excavator knocking down the dilapidated structure shortly before 10 a.m.
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"Demolition of the Pink House on Parker River National Wildlife Refuge began today. Removing the unsafe structure will allow refuge staff to restore the area for the benefit of wildlife, such as the salt marsh sparrow, and create new wildlife observation opportunities," a U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokesperson said. "Site restoration is expected to continue into the spring."
The nonprofit Support the Pink House fought to preserve the structure for more than a decade, but numerous land trade deals fell through.
"This is something that did not have to be," said Rochelle Joseph, a Support the Pink House board member. "There were many viable solutions."
Gov. Maura Healey had paused demolition plans in October, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife recently reaffirmed its decision to proceed. The government agency even turned down an anonymous million-dollar offer to restore the house.
The government acquired the nine-acre property and the Pink House for $375,000 in 2011. Environmental officials cited asbestos as the primary reason for demolition, but opponents argued that the asbestos had already been remediated.
"This was a good way to justify and unpopular decision," Joseph said.
Local residents are planning to hold a 100th year celebration for the Pink House on June 14. They're looking to get businesses in town to buy into the idea and offer Pink House specials, and some have already agreed.
