[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxriLTLhyyY[/youtube]
I’m not sure how Judge Pekas will rule in the case, it’s complicated with several parties and facets involved, but if I had to rule, it would be simple.
The house is NOT up to code and needs to be altered, moved, or torn down. Allowing it to stay in its current condition would set a precedent for all historic neighborhood associations in Sioux Falls. I would also split the cost of bringing it up to code between the city and the family that built it, and their general contractor. I don’t believe the McDowells, the original architect or the historic board share any guilt.
In all fairness, it is really the city’s (building services department) fault for not inspecting and giving proper permits, but as homeowners you do share a certain responsibility to make sure things are done right. It’s not like the Sapienzas are a couple of twits, she works as a pediatric surgeon with a resume longer then the Book of Morman. Not sure what Mr. Sapienzas does, but he seems to be very knowledgeable in the ancient Asian art of Feng Shui. (I found it ironic, because he was concerned about northern negative energy. Want to bring on some negative energy? Piss off your neighbors.)
It’s unfortunate in this case that east coast elitism wasn’t against the law, because the Sapienzas would be spending time in prison. Claiming you are building your home based on a strange combination of Philly building codes and Asian architecture isn’t a real good defense in good old podunk Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“Yo, Adrian! We should make the house a little taller so we don’t receive a left hook from Apollo Feng Shui.”
As for the look of the house, as an artist, I would say it would look fantastic sitting on an oversized prairie lot in the country. In the crowded historic neighborhood of McKennan Park, I will say it is too tall, and the color, egg salad yellow. Ick. Not sure if they use this saying in Philly, but ‘two pounds of shit in a one pound bag’ seems appropriate in this case.
I often tell people that just because someone is rich doesn’t mean they can buy class or taste. The Sapienzas proved that if anything in the trial. The next time our fine mayor has a press conference about ‘bad neighbors’ he needs to place the podium in front of their house, I couldn’t find a more fitting place.