A Beautiful Historic Caldwell House to be Demolished!

The current owner of 30 Smull Avenue has applied for a permit to demolish the house so that higher-density housing, out-of-character for the neighborhood, can be built.
The house was built in 1872 by Thomas Smull who developed one of Caldwell’s most important summer resort hotels, the Grover House, on an adjacent site. The hotel - which started as a boarding house – was in operation from 1872 until 1915. Smull Avenue was named after Thomas Smull.
After his death in 1892, the home was inherited by his daughter Emily Corbiere whose husband James Corbiere was the president of the North Jersey Street Railway Co., which brought trolley service to Caldwell in 1896. Initial service was between Caldwell and Montclair. In 1899 direct service extended to Newark. The advent of trolley and rail service transformed Caldwell, making commuting to Newark and New York feasible and improving business for local hotels and boarding houses.
30 Smull Avenue is an excellent example of Carpenter Gothic Architecture. This unique and highly individual style was popular in the mid-19th century. The exterior of the building still retains its original architectural features and should be preserved.
Our rich and varied architectural heritage is an important factor in making Caldwell a desirable place to live and do business. That heritage is fragile. There is no need to tear down this house at 30 Smull Avenue. With a little creativity, it can be economically feasible to retain the building and if the Borough permits, place more compatible additional housing on the site.
We, a group of concerned citizens and neighbors, urge the owner not to destroy this treasure.