In the quiet Esperance neighborhood of Edmonds, a piece of local history slipped away unnoticed as Rosewood Manor, affectionately known as the Monday House, was quietly demolished in early 2023. Featured on Reddit’s r/centuryhomes community, the post titled “This historic manor was quietly demolished early…” sparked a blend of nostalgia and debate, drawing attention with its poignant story.
The manor was redesigned in 1930 in the Federal style by Bradley Delehanty for Dr. Walter Johannes Damrosch, a conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra whose father, Leopold, had organized the New York City Symphony Society in 1878. Its silent end marked the loss of a multifaceted legacy, leaving the community to reflect on the fate of such historic treasures.
A Legacy Shaped by Time and Talent
The manor’s rich past began when Huston purchased Hadley’s Acres, shaping it into a vacation retreat for entertaining in the Pacific Northwest’s hinterlands. Over the years, it hosted figures like Teddy Roosevelt and adapted to diverse roles, its architecture evolving with each chapter. The 1930 Federal-style redesign by Delehanty for Damrosch added a refined elegance, reflecting the conductor’s cultural influence.
Yet, the post’s author admitted the structure’s design wasn’t particularly striking—awkward and modest for a “manor,” it hadn’t functioned as a residence since the 1920s. This sparked varied reactions: some saw its demolition as a practical move for new housing, while others mourned the missed opportunity for restoration, noting its historical significance might have qualified it for listing and tax credits.
A Journey Through Ownership and Decline
The home would later be sold to a financier by the name of Dr. Emilio Gabriel Collado II. Collado was a wealthy businessman who was heavily involved in the US Government and finances up until 1975. Emilio Collado passed in 1994, and “Monday House” was under different owners by that point.
In the early 2010s, multiple photographers from Long Island did manage to give a brief update on the house; it was still standing but surrounded by overgrown plants.
In 2017, the house was finally put on the market. After a thorough cleaning of the interior and grounds, the house, described as “deteriorating,” was listed for sale at $20 million. With 100 acres, one would expect a large number of bidders. However, by 2020, the house had no demand and had been reduced to a price of $9 million.
Voices of Debate and Loss
The online discourse revealed a divide. Commenters debated its value, with one suggesting its size and context made it notable, arguing a house remains a house regardless of use. Others questioned the market’s role, pointing out wealthier homes have fallen to economic pressures, and restoration costs often deter preservation.
An investor’s purchase sealed its fate, with one user lamenting, “Super sad. I can only imagine fixing up a place like that. What a dream come true.” The local paper’s article, cited in the post, detailed its colorful history, amplifying the sense of loss as vines and memories were reduced to rubble.
A Call to Preserve History’s Echoes
For the r/centuryhomes community, Rosewood Manor’s demolition serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing century homes. Built over 115 years ago and refined in 1930, its story—spanning speakeasies to sacred spaces—reflects the resilience and vulnerability of historic properties.
The post, with its modest engagement, underscores a shared passion for stewardship, urging others to fight for preservation where possible. As the site clears for new development, the Monday House’s quiet exit leaves a legacy of lessons in balancing history with progress.
