Community trying to save historic Winnipeg mansion from demolition

It is an 8,000 square-foot piece of Winnipeg history and century old house that has become a staple of Wellington Crescent.

It was built in 1909 and since then has been lived in by prominent members of the community, but that long line of tradition is nearing its end.

"I’ve seen it become a little bit more dilapidated since the spring when it was sold," said Gareth du Plooy, a neighbour of the property.

The house was sold by its longtime owner to a developer in April for $1.25 million, but since then it's been empty, locked up and according to du Plooy, destined for the wrecking ball.

He said that is not what the former owner of the house would have wanted.

"I know for a fact that when the developer bought the house they told them it was for families and now they want to demolish it and turn it into condos," du Plooy said.

Cindy Tugwell with Heritage Winnipeg said the house exemplifies wealth and how an elite member of the community lived in the early twentieth century.

"There are a lot of amazing properties out there, but from the perspective of Wellington Crescent, it is one of a kind and has been immaculately maintained," Tugwell said.

She explained that destroying it would be like destroying a piece of Winnipeg’s storied past.

“Who we are, our footprint as a Winnipegger is defined by your history, and this is a tangible part of our history," she said.

According to Tugwell, the building is not listed as a “heritage structure”, which means it's not protected against demolition.

However, community members like du Plooy have taken matters into their own hands, starting a petition to save the house.

It’s been signed by more than 2700 people.

du Plooy said the new owner is a Winnipeg firm by the name of Leader Equity Partners.

Community members said the owner has only approached them once with the idea of replacing the building with condominiums.

CTV News attempted to contact the CEO of the company, but has not yet received a response.

The City of Winnipeg said a rezoning application for the property has not been submitted.