Published: June 01, 2009 11:05 pm      

Group makes last-ditch bid to save Braemar

CRESSON — Despite a court order calling for demolition of the dilapidated cottage known as Braemar, its owner, the Cresson Area Historical Association, has launched a last-ditch effort to find money needed for stabilization.

“We’re just asking for some time to see if these plans can come to fruition,” said Dorothy D’Angelo, association treasurer.

Meanwhile, the Cresson Township supervisors have agreed to the group’s request not to enter into any agree-ment with a demolition company until

June 30.

The long-dormant historical association was reorganized two years ago after residents living around the cottage complained about Braemar’s condition and urged demolition.

Association members made a number of unsuccessful attempts to find restoration money. Cambria County Judge David Tulowitzki in January ordered the structure to be razed because they were unable to show hope of financial support.

The latest hope hinges on the association’s ability to gain 501C tax-exempt status, Brenda Kalwasinski, association president, said Monday.

The group is working with Preservation Pennsylvania, a statewide, private, nonprofit group working to protect historically and architecturally significant properties, to act as sponsor.

An advisory board would be established to oversee funding and restoration, Kalwasinski said.

Once tax-exempt status is in place, it may open the door for a grant of more than $150,000 from a private foundation in the Pittsburgh area, she said.

Braemar is a 14-room Queen Anne cottage that once was the property of Benjamin F. Jones of Jones & Laughlin Steel Co.

Jones has a strong following in western Pennsylvania, association members said.

The local group is being assisted in its search for funding by a Pittsburgh lawyer and his wife who own a restoration company.

Joseph and Heidi Lawrence of Monroeville have an interest in Jones’ properties, historical association member Sue Gorba said.

“They have already restored a couple of B.F. Jones homes. This is like a pet project of theirs because of the Jones importance to Pittsburgh,” Gorba said.

The Lawrences, who recently toured the structure, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Tulowitzki’s order gives the association time to remove any historic items from the structure.

The demolition is to be carried out in not less than six nor more than eight months, placing the deadline for demolition in mid-September.