Now that the battle is over, we want to take a look back at how we got here.
It was a little over three years ago when the McDowell family filed a lawsuit against the Sapienzas. Barbara and Pierce McDowell said the new house being built next to theirs was too large, too close, and violated historic and city ordinances.
The Sapienzas argued their plans were approved by both Historic Preservation and city groups. However, the McDowell’s attorney argued the home being built was not the same home in the plans that were approved.
Fast forward to December of 2016, and a judge ordered the Sapienzas to rebuild or remove the home. The Sapienzas decided to take the case to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Close to a year later, that court also ruled the Sapienza’s needed to make a change.
After that, the Sapienzas tried presenting some changes to bring the home into compliance, but that wasn’t enough for the Board of Historic Preservation. The Board rejected those plans.
After that, a judge gave the Sapienzas 30 days to tear down or move the home.
That brings us to Thursday’s demolition.
