2007 News picture story - Third

Ken Stevens

Fight to Save History

An end to Victor Sieradzki’s historic 122 year old downtown home culminated in its destruction on June 25. The eccentric owner rebuffed the city of Muskegon’s orders and warnings for 34 years to repair and maintain the dangerously decayed, animal-infested, waste-filled residence at 487 W. Clay. In a last ditch effort to save his home, Victor, 88, deeded the home to his nephew Scott Sieradzki, 49, to clean it up less than a week before its scheduled demolition, but it was too late, Scott didn’t have the time or manpower to make the necessary repairs and cleaning. City officials ordered the demolition. Desperate to save the family home, Scott hid himself in the home on the morning of the demolition to try to prevent its demise.