By Laurin Penland
Wilmington, NC – Most people know it as the Taste of Country house in downtown Wilmington. Now the owner is tearing down the 160 year old house house.
For the last fourteen months, the house has been home to Una Luna, an arts and furniture store.
Wilmington's Historic Preservation Commission put a 365 day stay on the demolition permits for the house along with two other downtown buildings. So far, the house is the only building of the three that is slated to be torn down.
The owner, Mark Evans, says he tried to sell the property.
"Any preservationist or the foundation has certainly had an opportunity to step in and purchase it. So, I say, if you're that passionate about it, put your money where your mouth is. Or, I have to look out for my business interests and make something out of the property."
The pre-civil war house has the trademarks of that time: detailed mantle pieces, old pine floors, large pocket doors, and an iron fence. The house is in bad repair.
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