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What do you think about McNally Cottage being demolished?

Historic McNally Cottage is owned by island hotelier Ira Green. He has been given permission to demolish the cottage to make way for a new hotel, but has indicated a willingness to help pay to have the home moved to a new location on the island.

What are your thoughts? Does the island need a new hotel? Should the city have rules in place to prevent the loss of historic structures that contribute to the historic status of the island? Should Mr. Green be able to move McNally Cottage from it's original location?

I ask only as a point of interest. It is not my intent to cause ill will toward fellow blog members, Mr. Green or the City Council. Perhaps something good can come from this discussion!

Tags: Cottage, Mackinac, McNally, downtown, historic

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joyce K on December 5, 2009 at 4:27pm: First off, I would like to send my best wishes to Mr. Green in whatever decision he makes with McNally Cottage. I think it would be an excellent idea to have the home moved to another location on the island. Small Point was moved many years ago and is now a bed and breakfast, so why not do the same or something similar with McNally Cottage.
I sense Mr. Green as having a very noble spirit and trust that he will make the right decisions for himself as well for the island as a whole. Whether or not the island needs a new hotel is not for me to judge. I do believe it is important to keep with the historic architecture on the island no matter what is built there. Although through the years many of the same structures still remain, there have been changes to the buildings. It is quite evident when you compare older pictures with Main Street today. It is not the same but has remained within that historic status of the island.
Good luck Mr. Green and maybe I'll be staying at your new hotel someday. Oh, and I love the webcams!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lynne A. Price on December 24, 2009 at 12:55pm: So very sad... and I DO think the island/city should have rules in place to prevent the loss of historic structures that contribute to the historic status of the island... thats what is is all about!!!! I do feel McNally Cottage could be moved elsewhere on the island but whatever is planned for it's place should be approved by the island/city board and only if it "fits". Would be such a shame to bring all the ultra modern to the island. It would taken away from the island IMO. There is no other place on earth like the island, so unique, special! The words "demolish" and the "island" do not go hand-in-hand. Please continue to preserve Mackinac!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pat Steele on January 8, 2010 at 7:45pm: Being a loyal Mackinac visitor for 39 years, the island has changed due to construction of condos and new homes. I remember a time when you could not buy property or a home unless you had connections.
The historic charm will be lost and its well on its way. No, McNally cottage should remain, the island has enough hotels now.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Forrester on January 9, 2010 at 10:01am: Thanks for your thoughts Joyce, Lynne and Pat. I think we are all curious as to how this will play out. I hope that if the cottage does not remain at it's current location, another location downtown can be found and the home moved - much like Small Point Cottage was moved years ago to it's current location. McNally Cottage is considered a 'contributing structure' to the island's historic landmark designation and certainly cannot be replaced.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mary Beth on February 26, 2010 at 2:41pm

This makes me so sad. When I was a child I use to go listen to Mrs. McNally play her piano, she was friends of the family and it's a shame that things are changing the way they are. I stayed in the cottage when my grandmothers home on the Island was being remodeled and it was nice, felt very " homey." Every time I walk past the cottage I think of her playing her piano.
My grandmother would be sick if she was alive today to hear this.. and to witness some of the modern changes. The Island is losing it's charm, the reason why peple come there. Anyone can go and see new build hotels.
I worry that as the years go by mroe and more people will sell out and let their historical homes go ... even our own family home that we have had for 109 years

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Permalink Reply by nick haan on April 12, 2010 at 1:00am: from what I understand - nobody wants the cottage itself, so it will probably end up demolished. As a bed and breakfast owner - no question that the island is waaaay over built... oh well.
especially with the horrible michigan economy

regards
nhaan

Mike Forrester said:
Thanks for your thoughts Joyce, Lynne and Pat. I think we are all curious as to how this will play out. I hope that if the cottage does not remain at it's current location, another location downtown can be found and the home moved - much like Small Point Cottage was moved years ago to it's current location. McNally Cottage is considered a 'contributing structure' to the island's historic landmark designation and certainly cannot be replaced.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janet Coyne on May 25, 2010 at 8:11am: I too have stayed at McNally Cottage in past years. We felt at home when staying there. I really wish they would move the structure if possible. Main Street will not look the same without seeing the nice yard with lovely flowers bordering it. It beckoned to have someone to come sit in the shade and people watch on Main Street. Please consider letting island visitors make some new memories at McNally Cottage, even if it is in a different island location.; ▶ Reply to This