The Santa Fe Fort and Ian Dennis (Google Maps, Scalpp.com)
An England native discovered one thing in Texas that reminded him of house: a historic fort. But it surely was crumbling from years of disuse, so he and his spouse wish to repair it up.
The Santa Fe fort, positioned in Santa Fe, Texas, about 35 miles southeast of Houston, is a neighborhood legend with mysterious origins. Ian Dennis and his spouse Kristen just lately purchased the property with plans to revive it and switch it right into a vacation spot for guests, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The property, full with the run-down fort and, after all, a “mini fort,” was assessed to be value $807,380, however the purchaser advised the Chronicle he paid greater than that. “It’s a high-end industrial property,” Dennis advised the outlet.
Or a minimum of it is going to be, as soon as Dennis’ plans are full.
Dennis, a beauty tattooist within the Houston space, is aware of that the fort would require repairs to every part, from basis to roof. As soon as the property is up and working, the couple plans to make use of the fort as a industrial property somewhat than one to reside in. They already envision a part of the fort as a museum.
Also referred to as the Pignataro Fort, has captured locals’ imaginations for many years. It was constructed within the Nineteen Thirties, however nobody is aware of precisely by whom or why.
The Santa Fe Historic Basis believes it was constructed by the widow of Danish immigrant John Christensen, who owned the primary Ford dealership. In a single telling of the story, Mrs. Christensen constructed the fort as a retirement house for nuns who didn’t find yourself wanting it.
One other model of the fort’s historical past says that it was really inbuilt Europe, then dismantled, shipped and reassembled in Santa Fe on the behest of a rich Texan.
The fort’s newer historical past is considerably clearer. In 1970, Sicilian-born Franco Pignataro purchased the fort, which he transformed into residences and added some niceties like a pool and gazebo.
However the property has not been maintained for years, probably since Pignataro handed away in 2010.
Dennis has stepped in to save lots of the fort, and has the encircling neighborhood behind him: his “Restoring Santa Fe Fort” Fb web page now has 20,000 followers.
— Cailley LaPara
