FoxNews.com has an article today that discusses the stimga that is attached to the homes of crime scenes.  BIG crime scenes such as those of Charlie Manson, Heaven's Gate, Jeffrey Dahmer,etc.  It is interesting some of the tactics used to "heal" that stigma. 

In the case of the 112 Ocean Avenue, Amithyville NY - the actual address of the home has been changed as a result of the address becoming notorious.  Randall Bell, a real estate economist, suggests that changing the address of a home that has been a scene of a horrific crime is a good idea however, you must be selective in your timing.  Mr. Bell suggests that if you change the address too soon the media wil pick up on it and cause even more of a stir.  The addresses that were the scene of the Nicole Brown/Ron Goldman murders, the LaBianca home that was the scene of Charlie Manson's massacre and the JonBenet Ramsey home which was the scene of her tragic murder have also been changed.  Eventually, the LaBiana homes was torn down. 

LaBianca murder houseOther measures that have been taken are to completely tear the home down.  The despicable crimes of John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer longered on in the homes in which they lived.  Ultimately, the locations were demolished.  While the memories of those horrific crimes with live on with the relatives, friends and, quite frankly, the entire world their physical locations have been banished from the face of the earth.  Another point the article makes is that there are people that lobby to presreve these types of buildings.  For instance, one lobbyist puts forth the arguement that the Texas Book Depository, which was the scene of the nation altering assasination of President Jon F. Kennedy, should never be torn down.  Personally, while a terrible moment in history, I can not liken it to the acts of monsters such as John Wayne Gacy or Jeffrey Dahmer. 

Another interesting avenue that is often the case with these stigmatized properties is that the fact is NOT hidden, the home is NOT torn down but repurposed.  It would seem that businesses that are scenes of crime can actually overcome the stigma.  The article does not suggest that the businesses profit but merely states that the businesses try and downplay the events that have happened.  Take for instance the scene where Gianni Versace was gunned down.  The location is a 1930's building was purchased in 2000 and turned into a member's only club and botique hotel.  Sparks Steakhouse in Manhattan continues to operate even though it was the scene for a mob-hit in 1985.

It really is an interesting article that delves into the psychology as to why some of these locations continue on while others are just too horrific to remain.  Hop over to check out the article at FoxNews.com for the rest of the story. 

LaBianca Home picture is from Chasing Midnight

Just passing on some news of the "wow, I never thought about that" in My Back Yard....

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15 Comments on "Scene of The Crime" Houses - What Do You Do With Them?

JUN
19
2008
384,205 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Leesa, I didn't read the whole article but I think that you are right------some homes and businesses need to stay and others need to go.  I would leave it to the families of those that lost a loved one though.  Just my opinion on the matter.

Don R.

1:57pm • #1
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Very interesting, Leesa.  I never thought about it.  I think residences are more likely to be stigmatized than commercial buildings.  And I bet being the scene of a mob hit actually makes a restaurant famous! 

1:58pm • #2
598,537 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Leesa, I can see the Gacy and Dahmer homes being demolished. Just horrific monsters there. Stigmatized properties are an interesting subject and as a potential buyer even though the structure has NOTHING to do with what happened, it is creepy being around them with the history.

2:06pm • #3
102,844 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Fascinating topic, unfortunatley. Very interesting post! I love your creative edge as far as your photo and branding go!

BethAnn in Spokane, Wa.

4:17pm • #4
322,934 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Don - It is strange which houses stay and which go.  I just think that the gruesome scenes should be made to go away - just my opinion.

Marie - I do not mean to make like of the the mob hit, but, you are right.  That is more of an attraction to some. 

Gary - I have always been fascinated with stigmataized properties due to crime, paranormal, etc.  Not so much in the homes but the psychological effect they have on the public.  Maybe I am a little creepy!

BethAnn - Aw, thanks - that was very nice of you!  It is an interesting topic (to me).  But, a house is a house - what do you do with them?  (the stigmatized ones)

4:56pm • #5

Hi Leesa,

This is a very interesting topic.  We sold the Nanny House, the one where the nanny was accused of setting fire to the house and the baby died. 

What I did was ask the seller to allow us to disclose it to any people that made an offer on it.

I wanted to be honest with the buyer because if they found out later they might try to back out or  sue us and the seller and more importantly it was the right thing to do.

All the best!

5:18pm • #6
133,815 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

There's a house here where 3 of our friends died when we were 15... it still gives me the creeps!

8:59pm • #7
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Leesa, interesting read.  I haven't given this any thought before.  Our area is a little quiet and the biggest crime scene would be a buddies house where they threw a rager of a party in "89... Just kidding.  Good Post!

11:29pm • #8
JUN
20
2008
328,323 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Very interesting stuff. I know of one murder scene home in our area. It has been a tough one to sell when ever it come on market.

12:14am • #9
Cheer Leesa, Plenty of houses of that kind, everywhere, well, you just got to feng sui it.
4:23pm • #10
322,934 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Kevin - You certainly did the right thing by asking the sellers permission to disclose.  I would have been like you and wanted to be sure it was disclosed.

Eleanor - I would have a very hard time with that.

Leslie - Sounds like my kinda house!

Trey - Have they tried any of the techniques like changint the address?

Sheik Ali - HOW ARE YOU?  I am so happy that you visited my blog.  So, you think feng shui would take care of it?  You are right though, many of these houses do exist and no one evens knows it.

7:36pm • #11
MAR
18

Leesa.. while the story of the trauma is known that is the obvious thing people respond to. But even if they do not know what happened, is a very real feeling in the house. It is the energetic trace of the event.

Hard science done for decades in the Soviet Union confirmed that, in intensely emotional situations an imprint of the DNA of the people involved remains on the people and the structures. Literally.

People can't define what they are responding to, but they don't buy. Some places actually are haunted and people feel that as well.

Demolishing the building does not clear the site. Changing the address removes public attention but does not clear the site.

Sometimes historic events that predate the house... battles or tribal burial sites... and even underground water can predispose the place to more of these events.

There are techniques for clearing the traces of these events, just as there are for mitigating physical toxics like radon or asbestos. I'm blogging about these issues, if you'd like to follow that.

It's a fascinating and rich topic. Thanx for talking about it.

 

12:45am • #12
322,934 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

David - WOW and THANKS!  Where have you been all of my life?  This actually interests me very much and it is a difficult topic to broach. (at times)  Your insight and commentary is much appreciated and I am off to check out your website.

9:10am • #13

Leesa...
Love the WOW and Where have you been comments. (He smiles)

Clearing the energy of land and buildings (plus business, people and situations) is what I do. A handy service when you have houses that mysteriously don't sell, stigmatized property, or historic homes with charming characters in addition to their charm and character... among other issues.

See my profile for more info and contact details. Happy to help.

11:55pm • #14
MAR
19
322,934 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Well, historic homes are right up my alley!  I have already signed up for your newsletter!  thanks for the introduction!

11:37am • #15

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Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR®/RE Strategist Wake Forest NC Real Estate and Area Info

Wake Forest, NC

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CIRCA PROPERTIES - Your Wake Forest/North Raleigh Specialist

Address: Wake Forest, NC, 27587

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC! Though my blog you can find Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Things To Do in Wake Forest NC and so much MORE! I am the Owner/Broker of Circa Properties andI specialize in Northern Wake County with a focus on Wake Forest NC. It's where I live, it's what I love! Please visit "About Me" for more details on how I can help you "Establish Your Circa...."
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