Peabody reaches deal to move historic Sutton house

PEABODY-The historic 1847 Sutton-Pierson House on Aborn Street was saved once again with the City Council?s unanimous vote to fund its relocation and restoration.Just this past December, the home built by famed businessman, politician, and banker Gen. William Sutton was scheduled for demolition. Developer Mario Scire planned to tear down the old home and put three new ones in its place, but Bill Power, chairman of Peabody?s Historical Commission, would have nothing of it. He immediately contacted the city?s building inspector and requested a cease-and-desist order. Power was determined to save that little piece of history for the city and he certainly did.After speaking with Scire, he agreed to donate the home to the Historical Commission, so long as they take on the task of moving and relocating it.?We had this three month drama to get all our ducks in a row,” Power said before Councilors last week. “It?s a unique piece of architecture.”Power said he and the rest of the Commission would have hated to see it torn down.With the help of $90,000 from the city?s Community Preservation Fund, the structure will move to its new home on Washington Street, hopefully as early as next weekend, said Power. The building will be used as the new site of the Historical Society?s Ruth Hill Library and Archives, which stores all historic printed material and images of Peabody. It?ll provide 1,500 square feet of storage and display space, a great improvement from the current location.Power said the Historical Society will assume ownership and with that, use their own funds to restore and maintain the library. The entire project should cost about $131,500, said Power.If all goes as planned, approximately 100 residents will see an interruption in their utilities while municipal light plant crews work on preparing power lines for the home. With that, comes police and fire details.?It?s an expensive proposition,” said Power. “But in the end, after about a month, I think the city of Peabody will say it was a good deal.”Councilors expressed their appreciation to Power for intervening in the demolition.?This was quite a catch,” said Ted Bettencourt Jr. “It?s wonderful to preserve that part of our history.”