US Fish and Wildlife to Proceed with Pink House Demo

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proceeding with their plan to demolish the iconic Pink House in Newbury MA.  A million dollar donation, the offer of new trade lands, and negotiations between the highest decision makers at FWS, the DOI and MA elected officials did not change FWS’ stance.

When an anonymous angel donor offered a million dollars to restore The Pink House (TPH) in place as a gift to FWS, Governor Maura Healey stepped in on behalf of her constituents and the businesses, artists and tourism that benefit from TPH to stop FWS from demolishing this important economic driver and landmark.*  Joined by State Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Kristin Kassner, the Governor and her office worked diligently with decision makers at the very highest levels of FWS and the DOI toward a solution.
 
FWS would not allow the donor to protect the house during negotiations, leaving it unnecessarily exposed to elements, animals and vandals since October.
 
Though FWS stated land trade was most beneficial to their mission, they rejected the offer of several new, exceptional parcels that fit their criteria. FWS would only agree to stay demolition if the house was relocated within 90 days – the same terms as their attempted auction held in July 2024 which received no bidders because the location is as iconic as the house and moving TPH is logistically and cost prohibitive. 
 
FWS set a March 31 deadline, citing the start of spring bird migration - a period which ends by late May/early June. Repeatedly FWS was asked to extend the 90 days to June, allowing time for proper due diligence that could have secured the solution. They refused.

On January 14, 2025 an independent licensed contractor did a house health and stability check. He reported that the house remained stable, it's envelope as sound as ever, and that it was fully restorable. FWS press statements that it is unsafe for their staff is puzzling, considering this report, and the fact that any CONTAMINANTS WERE REMEDIATED BY MID-OCTOBER 2024. FWS calling it dilapidated is about appearance alone, and only points to the neglect of the property while involved for years in land trade deals that would benefit their mission.  
 
The anonymous donor said, “My intention was to restore The Pink House in place, as a gift to FWS to utilize as they chose, aligning with the public desire and STPH’s mission.  FWS did not allow that, or enough time to explore a successful move within the vista. I am very disappointed in FWS.”
 
“Support The Pink House did everything in our power to make this work,” said Support The Pink House’s Alison Odle. “Our mission was formed by the people: to facilitate a solution to save and restore The Pink House in place, in perpetuity. But rather than lose the house forever, we explored moving the house, but only within the same vista in which there are few land options.”
 
“It’s unfortunate that the opportunities that came forth could not come to fruition based on the rigid terms and time frame FWS set,” said STPH Board member, Sandy Tilton. “The donor and STPH is proud of our efforts to provide a way for FWS to build something special in our community, rather than destroy it.”
 
The solution that would have best served FWS’ mission was to keep The Pink House in place and trade it and its acre for up to hundreds of acres of new land to conserve – a plan FWS sought with STPH in late 2020, but did not fulfill. Since FWS announced their plans to remove The Pink House on November 1, 2023, the absence of the federally elected officials who could have stepped in, in response to the overwhelming outcry of constituents, the 4 local towns and the businesses and artists in this region, and  the national headlines, was notable. 
  
Thanks to the million dollar donor, Governor Healey, and Senator Tarr stepping in, and all the work done by everyone all through, The Pink House reached its 100th year. 

Photo Credit: Kelly Page, Graphics: Alison Odle