When I read the above article on nordjyske.dk, my first thought was that it must be a misquotation. Such a thing does not happen in a democratic society.
But it was shocking, when it became clear that this unsightly and undemocratic process had taken place in Frederikshavn Municipality, where Henning Kjeldsen had succeeded in getting the responsible politicians in the municipality to advocate for the demolition of the conservation-worthy building at Holstvej 16 .
The property investor Henning Kjeldsen wants to demolish the conservation-worthy building at Holstvej 16 in Skagen. With the demolition, the aim is to make room for an extension of the red Plesners Badehotel, seen in the background on the right. Archive photo: Lars Pauli
At the same time, it is incomprehensible that the chairman of the municipality’s planning and environment committee (Peter E. Nielsen, ed.) with his bombastic statements and a clear lack of historical and cultural knowledge, has not investigated the matter further with the assistance of professional experts in the field, before the case files were presented to the city council.
The condescending tone in which the house on Holstvej is described is a serious distortion of the truth. The house is absolutely worthy of preservation – and I know it, because I have lived in the house for 12 years.
In 1951, my father bought the house on Holstvej from the Holst family.
The house was built by the nationally renowned architect Ulrik Plesner for Dora Holst in 1920, hence the name Holstvej.
The Skagen villa, designed by the architect Ulrik Plesners, is photographed here in 1951. Private photo
The photograph attached to this post was taken in 1951. The picture clearly shows how the house looked before ugly extensions were added many years later with a glued-on steel staircase up to the upper floor. In addition, the original “Skagen fence” (see photo) was replaced with a tall black plank structure.
And it is the changes that the chairman of the planning and environment committee describes as the reason why “the whole plan for that house has been destroyed”. And so he wants to tear it down.
But “NO” – the house must not be demolished.
Without much trouble or expense, it can be returned to the house it was originally when architect Ulriks Plesner designed it.
Was it to influence the politicians in a negative direction and thereby ensure a majority in the city council to demolish the house, that Kjeldsen has continued with the scandalous demolition of the house? By burying the garden in asphalt? Or sticking three large P signs on the wall of the house to announce an official parking space? And is that why large boards have been put up on both the wall and the fence with the word “Plesner”?
Exactly 100 years ago, Holger Drachmann wrote the poem/song “Remembrance” – with the closing line:
“There is a soul in Skagen that will never grow old”.
What Holger Drachmann could not foresee was that 100 years later an invasive species would invade Skagen and without scruple devour Skagen’s soul.
May the silent majority unite in protest against the planned irreparable destruction in Skagen, and demand respect and justice for the very special and unique Skagen, the city’s history, and the iconic houses worthy of preservation.
And not least also show respect for the nationally known and important architect Ulrik Plesner, who, in addition to Skagen, has created several houses worthy of preservation throughout Denmark.
The 84-year-old author Lean Waage Beck was born in Skagen – then with the surname Saxberg. She has experienced many things during her life. Among other things, she has been a hairdresser for Jacqueline Kennedy in the USA – and has lived in Iran for ten years up to Khomeini’s Iranian revolution
Holstvej 16 – is threatened with demolition. Archive photo: Lars Pauli
2024-09-06 18:31:40
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The Controversy Surrounding Holstvej 16 in Skagen, Denmark
The article on nordjyske.dk has sparked controversy and outrage over the proposed demolition of the conservation-worthy building at Holstvej 16 in Skagen, Denmark. The property investor, Henning Kjeldsen, aims to demolish the building to make way for an extension of the red Plesners Badehotel, seen in the background on the right. ( Archive photo: Lars Pauli )
The news has shocked many, including the author, who has lived in the house for 12 years. The house was built in 1920 by the nationally renowned architect Ulrik Plesner for Dora Holst, hence the name Holstvej. It is a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Skagen, and its preservation is of utmost importance.
The condescending tone used to describe the house on Holstvej is a distortion of the truth. The house is absolutely worthy of preservation, and its destruction would be a loss for the community.
The chairman of the municipality’s planning and environment committee, Peter E. Nielsen, has been criticized for his bombastic statements and lack of historical and cultural knowledge. It is incomprehensible that he did not investigate the matter further with the assistance of professional experts in the field before presenting the case files to the city council.
The Property’s History and Current Status
According to public records, the property at Holstvej 16 has a rich history, dating back to 1920. The house was built by Ulrik Plesner for Dora Holst, and it has been in the Holst family ever since. In 1951, the author’s father bought the house from the Holst family.
As of 2023, the property has been sold for 8,500,000 Danish kroner (approximately 1.1 million euros) [3]. Its current status is a topic of controversy, with many calling for its preservation and protection.
Conclusion
The proposed demolition of Holstvej 16 is a grave concern for the community, and its preservation is essential for maintaining the cultural and historical heritage of Skagen. The author’s personal connection to the house and its history only serves to highlight the importance of preserving this piece of Denmark’s history.
References:
<a href="https://www.nybolig.dk/alle-boliger/0813/skagen/9990/holstvej-16/0
