Century Old Minneapolis Home In Danger Of Being Torn Down

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The future of a historical, century-old Minneapolis house was decided Friday morning.

The house on Colfax Avenue was built 120 years ago by master builder T.P. Healy.

Because of who built the house and its age, many consider it a historic property and untouchable.

However, Friday morning the city council voted to allow the property owner to sell it to a developer, who has plans to tear it down.

"Ideally, I'd like to see the house stay. That would be my favorite thing to see done," neighbor and house historian Kathleen Kullberg said.

The owner of the Healy Home, Mike Crow, has been trying to sell the property and the house next door to the Lander Group.

Developer Michael Lander wants to build a four-story, 45 unit complex.

There's been plenty of push-back on that plan, including those who say tearing down the Healy House is like tearing down history.

Friday morning the city council didn't see it that way.

"The problem I found is there wasn't proof to say this is a historic resource," councilmember Cam Gordon said.

"This is not about the city ordering a demolition. It's about what are the rights of the property owner who has said this is what he wishes to do with his property," councilmember Elizabeth Glidden said.

"Twenty years from now I don't expect there to be any historic home standing on the first few blocks of Hennepin after you get off this. I really don't," Nicole Curtis said.

HGTV and DIY Network celeb Nicole Curtis, who hosts the show "Rehab Addict," has been trying to save the property.

She offered to buy the home for $400,000, but she thinks Lander's offer more than doubled hers.

She believes the city is being wasteful by allowing developers to tear down existing homes with history.

"Why is a green, energy-efficient developer soliciting homeowners to tear down their houses? Go build on the empty lots. It's been my argument the whole time," Curtis said.

The city council voted 11-2 to allow the sale Friday morning. This comes a year after they voted to save it.

Among those voting in favor of the sale was Lisa Bender, who represents that district.

She said the Healy Home does not meet historic preservation standards.

If the homes are torn down, more than 20 residents will have to relocate.