Carpenters Fans Try to Save Former Home - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 02-16-2008, 06:42 PM

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DOWNEY, Calif. - Owners of The Carpenters' former home aren't feeling on top of the world about the legions of fans who keep stopping by to pay tribute.

The five-bedroom tract house, where siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter lived and penned some of their greatest hits, was featured on the cover of their 1973 hit album "Now & Then." It was also where an anorexic Karen Carpenter collapsed in 1983 before dying.

Owners Manuel and Blanca Melendez Parra have apparently grown weary of the parade of fans paying homage.

The couple have submitted plans to officials in Downey, a city about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, to raze the 39-year-old main house, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. The Parras have already torn down an adjoining house and have begun construction on a larger home.

The proposal to level the rest of the residence has angered fans.

"This house is our version of Graceland," said Carpenters aficionado Jon Konjoyan. "When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized."

The 57-year-old musician and promoter is heading a campaign to save the original home from the wrecker's ball. Some fans have proposed that Downey officials declare the house a historic landmark.

The entire Carpenter family lived in the main house. The adjoining section was used as an office, rehearsal studio and recreation room.

The Carpenters' parents lived in the residence until Harold Carpenter's death in 1988 and Agnes Carpenter's in 1996. Richard Carpenter sold the house a year later.

After the Parras bought the house, Jessica Parra, said that at first her parents invited fans into the home and gave away items left by Richard Carpenter.

"In the beginning, we let everybody in. But honestly, it became horrible, not only for us but for the neighborhood," Parra said. "People peek in windows and take pictures. They leave flowers on the front porch."

Downey officials said that they received plans for a new residence, but that no demolition permit has been issued.

Konjoyan is holding out hope. He wants the home to be bought and rehabilitated. If that is not possible, he wants the structure to be moved.

"They were such a huge American act in the '70s," Konjoyan said of the duo. "So many people loved them."

Ireneparalegal · 02-16-2008, 06:51 PM

So why did they buy the house to begin with?

I don't think a legion of fans can tell rightful homeowners what they can or can't do to the home THEY PAID FOR.

Dean Winchester · 02-16-2008, 09:08 PM

maybe the owners should buy a new house and try to turn the house into a Carpenters museum and charge fans to see the place? I mean, it's where Karen passed away in and the album cover took place on it. Surely there are a lot of Carpenters fans who would pay to take a tour of the house.

Cactus Jack · 02-16-2008, 09:16 PM

Im more concerned why they have legions of fans

Dean Winchester · 02-16-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMuppetFromtheFutu

Im more concerned why they have legions of fans

because people love timeless vocals and great singing. I'm not a big Carpenters fan myself but I can understand the appeal

Ireneparalegal · 02-16-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMuppetFromtheFutu

Im more concerned why they have legions of fans

Hey now...

AB · 02-17-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

maybe the owners should buy a new house and try to turn the house into a Carpenters museum and charge fans to see the place? I mean, it's where Karen passed away in and the album cover took place on it. Surely there are a lot of Carpenters fans who would pay to take a tour of the house.

That sounds like a good idea but they'd probably have to buy up a couple of adjacent home lots for parking and I bet the neighbors wouldn't go for it.

Dean Winchester · 02-17-2008, 04:43 PM

well, I remember the house that was used at the beginning of Halloween (the house where Michael kills Judith and the legendary long-camera scene going throughout the house took place in) was bought up by a fan, and converted into a Halloween museum and attracts thousands of tourists a year, without the neighbors complaining.

AB · 02-17-2008, 05:46 PM

^ It might work! I'd like to see that Halloween House Museum.

02-16-2008, 06:42 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,452	Carpenters Fans Try to Save Former Home Link DOWNEY, Calif. - Owners of The Carpenters' former home aren't feeling on top of the world about the legions of fans who keep stopping by to pay tribute. The five-bedroom tract house, where siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter lived and penned some of their greatest hits, was featured on the cover of their 1973 hit album "Now & Then." It was also where an anorexic Karen Carpenter collapsed in 1983 before dying. Owners Manuel and Blanca Melendez Parra have apparently grown weary of the parade of fans paying homage. The couple have submitted plans to officials in Downey, a city about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, to raze the 39-year-old main house, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. The Parras have already torn down an adjoining house and have begun construction on a larger home. The proposal to level the rest of the residence has angered fans. "This house is our version of Graceland," said Carpenters aficionado Jon Konjoyan. "When they photographed the 'Now & Then' cover here in 1973, the house was instantly immortalized." The 57-year-old musician and promoter is heading a campaign to save the original home from the wrecker's ball. Some fans have proposed that Downey officials declare the house a historic landmark. The entire Carpenter family lived in the main house. The adjoining section was used as an office, rehearsal studio and recreation room. The Carpenters' parents lived in the residence until Harold Carpenter's death in 1988 and Agnes Carpenter's in 1996. Richard Carpenter sold the house a year later. After the Parras bought the house, Jessica Parra, said that at first her parents invited fans into the home and gave away items left by Richard Carpenter. "In the beginning, we let everybody in. But honestly, it became horrible, not only for us but for the neighborhood," Parra said. "People peek in windows and take pictures. They leave flowers on the front porch." Downey officials said that they received plans for a new residence, but that no demolition permit has been issued. Konjoyan is holding out hope. He wants the home to be bought and rehabilitated. If that is not possible, he wants the structure to be moved. "They were such a huge American act in the '70s," Konjoyan said of the duo. "So many people loved them."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

02-16-2008, 06:51 PM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	So why did they buy the house to begin with? I don't think a legion of fans can tell rightful homeowners what they can or can't do to the home THEY PAID FOR.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

02-16-2008, 09:16 PM	#4
Cactus Jack RonFingSwanson Forum Idol Join Date: Dec 09, 2001 Location: Santa Rosa Beach,FL Posts: 103,099	Im more concerned why they have legions of fans
	__________________ Id Love to help you Tracy, but I cant have sex with a black guy, Id lose my endorsement deal with NASCAR-Jenna Maroney,30 Rock April 17,2009 9:02 PM : 100,000th post!

02-16-2008, 09:08 PM	#3
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	maybe the owners should buy a new house and try to turn the house into a Carpenters museum and charge fans to see the place? I mean, it's where Karen passed away in and the album cover took place on it. Surely there are a lot of Carpenters fans who would pay to take a tour of the house.

02-17-2008, 04:43 PM	#8
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	well, I remember the house that was used at the beginning of Halloween (the house where Michael kills Judith and the legendary long-camera scene going throughout the house took place in) was bought up by a fan, and converted into a Halloween museum and attracts thousands of tourists a year, without the neighbors complaining.

02-17-2008, 05:46 PM	#9
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	^ It might work! I'd like to see that Halloween House Museum.