Demolition of Pink House Halted by Donor and Governor

The planned demolition of the iconic 'Pink House' in Newbury, Massachusetts, has been temporarily halted following intervention by Gov. Maura Healey and significant community advocacy. The house, known for attracting tourists and artists, was initially set for demolition due to asbestos contamination after being purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. An anonymous donor has pledged up to $1 million to preserve the structure, leading to renewed discussions about its future. Despite failed attempts to auction the property, the community remains hopeful for a solution that benefits both conservation efforts and the preservation of the house. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is engaging in discussions with state officials to explore alternatives, constrained by legal limitations on land transactions. The Pink House continues to be a cultural symbol, likened to other Massachusetts icons like the Gloucester Fisherman memorial.