September 20, 2019 – Barton, WI – A two-story brick home that once served as the rectory to St. Mary’s Parish in Barton was razed Friday afternoon.
The home, 317 River Drive, was originally constructed in 1860. Neighbors said the pink sand brick is a pretty rare commodity.
The parish, which was once located on the corner of Barton Avenue and River Road, eventually sold and a new church built in 1909 where St. Mary’s currently stands, 406 Jefferson Street.
The old rectory eventually became a private home owned by David Binney. He lived out of town and neighbors in Barton started to complain when the home fell into disrepair. There were obvious holes in the roof; plastic tarps were held down by long boards nailed to the roof.
Local real estate agents said there was extensive mold and water damage inside the home and neighbors often complained about a fence in the yard that had fallen down and there was a sense the property was vacant and unkempt.
Contractors said the building was originally very structurally sound. “Whenever you have an abutted structure you want to pull the building into the middle and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said the contractor.
The city ordered the building be razed. The cost of the demolition is now expected to be forwarded to the property owner.
This is so sad . Why don’t people take care of things like this? I see so many older homes that are left for animals to live in and just disinagrate. Can’t the cities claim them and put more unfortunate families that are living in their cars or on the streets in them Disgusting world we live in.