I am carefully restoring a house of the same vintage, same style, same size and same neighborhood as the fine historic bungalow demolished in Raleigh for "Extreme Makeover." I begged to be allowed to salvage some of the beautiful craftsman-style windows and trim and heart-pine flooring, but, alas, it is all now in a landfill.

My sister wept as she described the crowds cheering the spectacle of race cars destroying this noble old home. That the porch roof refused to fall after the cars smashed the posts is a testament to how well this house was built.

I have many friends who are true restorers and would have gladly bought this home for more than twice what the Riggins family paid in 2000.

What a loss; what a waste.

Matthew Brown

Raleigh

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