Mitchell House Targeted for Demolition is Historic

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) - Officials in Mitchell

must prove there's no reasonable alternative to razing one of the city's oldest homes before they can demolish it.

The structure known as the Goodykuntz House is 130 years old and listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It was damaged in a 2002 fire. The Daily Republic reports that city officials declared it a public nuisance last October and filed a complaint seeking a court order to raze the property.

City Attorney Carl Koch says officials were unaware at the time of the National Register listing. But he says the city still plans to take the necessary steps to tear down the house.

Owners Clarence and Lauretta Larsen deny that the house is unsafe and unsightly, and say it has historical and architectural value.

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