Attleboro's Historic Tappan House Saved

After more than five months of petitions and public outcry that reached as far as Spain and Portugal to save Attleboro's historic Tappan House, its owner, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, has decided against knocking it down. 

Mayor Kevin Dumas announced to the Attleboro City Council Tuesday night that after months of meetings with Sturdy's president, Linda Shyavitz, on what to do with the Tappan House, the hospital has decided to put $186,000 toward moving it to a different location. 

The house will be moved to a parcel of land in Attleboro owned by Guy Forman, the owner of Marathon Company in Attleboro. Movers have already been contacted, Dumas told the council.

"This could not have occurred but for the cooperation and vision of Sturdy Memorial Hospital and the Marathon Company; and I wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank both of them," Dumas said. 

The mayor first approached Sturdy Memorial Hospital to see if the hospital would suspend plans to demolish the building for a brief period in order to allow him to formulate a plan to save the house.

"Unreservedly, not only did Sturdy Memorial Hospital honor my request, but the hospital also agreed to donate the funds that were going to be used for demolition and redirect them towards this preservation project," Dumas said.

The huge structure will be moved to a vacant site on Pearl Street, at the end of Tappan Avenue, that is owned by the Marathon Company. Dumas said he approached the owners of the land about the property.

"After discussing the city’s plans with them to save the Tappan House, they agreed to partner with the city to make this project a reality. A meeting will be held with the residents of Tappan Avenue and neighborhood residents to discuss the project, entertain thoughts and to answer any questions.