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Aug 14, 2008 6:52 pm US/Central
Former Stanley Marcus Home Could Be Torn Down
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
The house that was once home to a late Dallas icon, who turned the Neiman Marcus store into a leading luxury retailer, may come under the wrecker's ball. Though Stanley Marcus sold it nearly 15 years ago, the current homeowner wants to tear it down and rebuild.
"The cost to renovate exceeds the cost of a brand new house," explained current homeowner Mark Lovvorn.
Lovvorn says he appreciates his home's history, with its half-century in Stanley Marcus' world. Lovvorn even had the home registered with state officials.
When he notified local and state officials that he wanted to tear the house down the City of Dallas responded with a letter saying that because of the homes' architectural and historical significance it had started the process of having it designated a landmark.
Only the city has the power to keep the home intact - its exterior, anyway.
"That would protect it from demolition. It doesn't mean you can't remodel. It doesn't mean you can't do things to the site. What it does is protect the original structure," explained Dallas landmark commission vice-chair Mattia Flabiano.
Lovvorn admits he thinks the response by the city is, "a little bit of an overreaction." Until CBS 11 News showed it to him, Lovvorn hadn't seen the letter from city officials.
The Dallas resident says he's willing to listen to alternatives but until now had never been contacted. "I've never heard one comment. I've never received one letter. I've never received one phone call from anyone with the City of Dallas, showing any interest in the home," Lovvorn said.
The home is built on three-acres of land, with a creek, native trees, and a front gate offering privacy.
Officials with various agencies say they find it encouraging that Lovvorn is willing to listen to possible alternatives - which could include tax breaks and other incentives offered to historic places.
Flabiano says, "I think it's important for us to maintain the history we do have."
The City of Dallas has undertaken the process of having a structure declared a landmark before. For six years the city was involved in litigation with the property owner of the old Crozier Tech High School on Bryan Street. The building, which is the oldest remaining Dallas high school, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
This is believed to be the first time the city process has been used concerning a private residence.
The first hearing concerning the future of the former Marcus home is scheduled for next month.
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