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Building tensions: Overseers want to raze Doris Duke mansion

In this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 photograph, a portion of the sprawling main mansion of the Duke Farms estate that heiress Doris Duke once called home is seen in Hillsborough Township, N.J. The debate over whether the unoccupied mansion should be demolished will continue this week, when farm officials and community groups opposed to the plan continue to make their case before a local historical board. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
In this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 photograph, a portion of the sprawling main mansion of the Duke Farms estate that heiress Doris Duke once called home is seen in Hillsborough Township, N.J. The debate over whether the unoccupied mansion should be demolished will continue this week, when farm officials and community groups opposed to the plan continue to make their case before a local historical board. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) In this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 photograph, a portion of the sprawling main mansion of the Duke Farms estate that heiress Doris Duke once called home is seen in Hillsborough Township, N.J. The debate over whether the unoccupied mansion should be demolished will continue this week, when farm officials and community groups opposed to the plan continue to make their case before a local historical board. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

By Associated Press 4 min read

HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) – On a 2,700-acre estate in central New Jersey, a majestic mansion that heiress Doris Duke once called home may soon disappear.

The Duke Farms Foundation, which oversees the property, wants to demolish the 65,000-square-foot mansion, which has been empty since the tobacco heiress’ death in 1993. They say the building, erected in 1893, has fallen into disrepair, with asbestos and mold problems, and would take $10 million to $20 million to bring it up to code – money they say can be better spent on other farm-related projects.

A grass-roots community group is fighting the foundation’s plans.

Called DORIS, for Demolition of Residence is Senseless, the group wants the foundation to save the mansion in Hillsborough Township. They want to explore several possible “re-adaptive uses” that they say would generate income and attention.

The two groups will come together again Thursday night, when Hillsborough’s Historic Preservation Commission continues its hearings on the foundation’s demolition plans.