Nantucket mansion may face demolition months after $19.2 million purchase

A Nantucket mansion, purchased for $19.2 million last year, might soon face demolition. The property's owner, Steven Cohen, has submitted a proposal to the Nantucket Historic District Commission to tear down the recently constructed residence, as reported by the Nantucket Current.

Cohen, co-founder of Cohen + Cohen Law, acquired the six-bedroom home in November while it was still under construction. Located at 88 Pocomo Road, the estate features high-end amenities such as a pool, pickleball court, private beach access, and a guest house with two additional bedrooms.

The proposal aims to replace the current structure with a new 3,426-square-foot main house and a 528-square-foot guest house. The existing mansion was completed in 2022 and is nearly 10,000 square feet in size.

"Step inside this elegant residence and be captivated by the seamless blend of high-end finishes and natural stone accents," stated the previous listing.

The Historic District Commission is set to review the demolition request on Tuesday. Architect Matthew MacEachern from Emeritus has represented Cohen in prior hearings. He explained that despite being under construction, the house was only a "rough frame" with "no interior finish whatsoever."

MacEachern noted that substantial work would be required for completion: “90% of the windows are in… The new owner was trying to work with the existing structure, but there was going to be so much work done to it that it’s basically a redesign.”

Not all parties support this move. Architect Graham Goldsmith, who owns neighboring property on Pocomo Road, expressed objections earlier this year due to continuous construction activities in the area. Goldsmith remarked on what he perceives as wasteful practices: “It seems like it’s kind of a waste,” referring to frequent demolitions and reconstructions along Pocomo Road.

“How many more buildings are we going to tear down in this neighborhood?” Goldsmith asked during his objection.

Historic District Commission member Ray Pohl acknowledged these concerns but clarified their role: “I feel your pain,” Pohl said during an earlier hearing. “But the construction process isn’t really part of our review process … we’re here to talk about the architecture.”

No comments have been provided by either Cohen or the Historic District Commission regarding this matter.