The Wall Street Journal wrote about it.
So did “06880.”
Last weekend, curious residents headed over to Beachside Common, to see #11 for themselves.
An estate sale drew them to the home of biotech entrepreneur/investor/scientist Alan Walton and his wife Elenor.
They bought the 1970s contemporary overlooking Burying Hill Beach in 2000, for $6.3 million. It was expanded and “reimagined” in the 1990s — for $13 million.
One view of he exterior …
With its floating staircase, periscope skylights, rainbow glazing purple carpet — and a 150-foot multicolored tile pathway that “meanders” through the house — it was not for everyone.
Alan died in 2015. Elenor died last February. The couple was a much-admired part of their tight-knit neighborhood.
In her will, Elenor told her children to sell the property.
They did. Now it’s slated for demolition.
,,, and another …
The other day, an anonymous Westporter — calling him or herself “Concerned Quirky Citizen” — emailed the Planning & Zoning Commission, Westport Downtown Association, and various other town and state officials. The writer urged “the Town of Westport and any relevant boards, commissions, and elected officials to reconsider” the teardown.
That’s a heavy lift. The Historic District Commission can only vote to delay demolition of a structure older than 50 years, for 180 days. In theory, that buys time to find a way to save a home.
In nearly every case, the owner — who presumably brought the property intending to tear it down — waits out the delay, then brings in the wrecking ball.
That will probably happen to 11 Beachside Common. But here is the anonymous resident’s plea:
“From everything that has been shared publicly, this home is not only an extraordinary piece of residential architecture, but also a physical record of technological, cultural, and artistic history.
“This property appears to represent a rare convergence of design, innovation and local heritage.
… with one view of the interior …
“The house underwent an extensive and highly considered transformation by a noted architect, resulting in a structure that functions more like a livable gallery than a conventional home. It stands out for its unconventional forms, light-filled interior spaces, and the way it integrates with its coastal setting.
“Many visitors and community members have described it as unlike anything else in the area, which suggests it may be eligible for recognition as a historically or architecturally significant resource.
“In addition to its architectural value, the home is closely associated with individuals whose work shaped modern science and technology, including contributions connected to NASA’s Apollo program and to early MRI development.
“When a building has direct ties to people whose work has had a global impact, and when that building has been consciously designed and redesigned with that legacy in mind, demolition is not just a private decision with private consequences. It is the permanent erasure of a cultural asset that could otherwise benefit the town, the state, and the broader public.
… and another …
“I fully recognize that the property is privately owned and that owners have important rights. At the same time, towns routinely treat certain structures and landscapes as part of the public good and subject them to additional review or protection when they meet criteria for historic, architectural, or cultural significance.
“I am asking that Westport, in coordination with its relevant boards and commissions, explore all available mechanisms to:
- Evaluate whether 11 Beachside Common meets local, state, or national criteria for historic or architectural significance.
- Consider interim measures (such as a temporary delay of demolition) to allow proper study and public input.
- Engage with the current owner and any interested preservation organizations to explore alternatives to total demolition, such as adaptive reuse, partial preservation, sale to a preservation-minded buyer, or creative public–private partnerships.
“Preserving this structure, or even a substantial portion of it, could provide Westport with a unique cultural and educational asset. Possibilities might include limited public tours, curated events, collaborations with architectural schools or design programs, or partnerships with arts and science institutions that could interpret the technology and innovation stories embedded in the home.
… and a third …
“Many communities have successfully turned singular private properties into sources of civic pride, tourism, and long-term economic and cultural value while still respecting ownership and neighborhood character.
“Respectfully, it is hard to understand how a town benefits from losing a one‑of‑a‑kind coastal landmark that has captured the imagination of so many residents and visitors. Once demolished, it cannot be recreated. Even a modest pause, serious assessment, and transparent public conversation would be far better than allowing such an asset to vanish without a full understanding of what is being lost.
” want to be clear that I am not accusing any individual or entity of wrongdoing, and I recognize that the property may be proceeding through the standard approval and permitting channels.
“My concern is that, even when all legal requirements are followed, the loss of a culturally and architecturally significant home can still be a preventable tragedy, and I am asking that every available option be explored before an irreversible decision is carried out.
… and one more.
“At minimum, I ask that the town publicly communicate what steps, if any, have been taken to evaluate 11 Beachside Common for historic or architectural protection, and what opportunities exist for public participation in any remaining processes.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to the community. I would be grateful for a response describing whether there are any upcoming meetings, hearings, or procedures related to this property, and how members of the public can best participate constructively.”
(Our “Opinion” pages are open to all. Please email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
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