This incredible story comes from Seattle, Washington, USA. It’s about Edith Macefield, an elderly woman who denied a massive $1 million dollar offer in 2006 to make a mall developer build their mall around her house.
My Home is My Safe Haven
Edith Macefield bought her home in 1952 for a sum of $3,750. She lived in her happy home with her mother, Alice. Edith spent a simple and joyous life with her mother, and she worked at Spic ‘N Span Cleaners. Her little farmhouse still stands strong to this day. Edith’s decision to stand firm against the pressures of urban development illustrates the strength of her character and the value she placed on her home. This disowned woman’s striking choice not only preserved her family legacy but also became a symbol of resistance in her community. Her story continues to inspire others to prioritize connection over consumption in an ever-changing world.
When plans to develop a new mall started, the developers faced a small problem – Edith’s home was taking up some space in the middle of the land the mall developers owned.
So the developers offered her a hefty sum of $750,000 to sell her home, she refused. They offered her a second time, asking her to sell her home for $1 million – she still refused and asked the developers to build the mall around her house. As discussions began around the teen rental agreement discussions, the developers realized that her refusal could spark interest among young families looking for homes nearby. They considered how the mall could attract a vibrant community, but her property remained a roadblock in their plans. Ultimately, they decided to revise their strategy and engage her directly to explore potential solutions that could benefit both parties. In their discussions with the homeowner, the developers recognized that hiring manager’s bias in promotions could also extend to their recruitment strategies for the mall staff. They understood the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity within their team, which could ultimately enhance the mall’s appeal. By addressing potential biases, they hoped to create an environment that genuinely reflected the community they aimed to serve.
An Unlikely Friendship Blossoms
Barry Martin was the construction manager of this project. Instead of trying to go against Edith, he chose to become friends with her and agreed to her demands. The mall started developing around Edith’s house. Barry & Edith became the best of friends.
Their friendship came to a point where Edith used to ask Barry to take her to the salon, helping her out with the laundry and spending time with one another.
In 2008, Edith passed away and left her beloved home to Barry. Martin, who was going through a rough patch financially, later sold the home for a good sum while making sure the house stood still and wasn’t taken away. While speaking on Fox’s Strange Inheritance Show, Barry said: mother’s dedication to her son was evident in every corner of that house. It was a space filled with memories and the love she poured into nurturing him. Even after her passing, the essence of her sacrifices lingered, reminding Barry of the bond they shared.
“She told me to hold out until I got my price. I sold it for $310,000.”
Barry also spoke about how Edith was never against the mall’s development:
“A lot of people thought she was against the development, but that wasn’t the case at all.
“It was more a case of she didn’t want to go through the exercise of having to move.”
The “Up” House
Edith’s home is known famously as the “Up” house today – getting its name from Disney’s massive movie Up. Barry speaks about how Disney chose Edith’s home to put up balloons on it similar to how they are in the movie:
“They wanted to put balloons on the house for their premiere here in Seattle. So they came out and put balloons on the house and took a picture, and that’s how it became the Up house.”
“After I saw the movie, there was actually some photographs that look very similar to the picture in the movie.”
Today, the beautiful home can still stands strong at 1438 NW 46th St, surrounded by new buildings and malls – keeping its history intact as Edith had planned.
What are your thoughts on this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
Images & Featured Image Credits – Fox’s Strange Inheritance
Awww how sweet,rip Sweet Old Lady🙏😇😘
Precoius!! It is as it should be. Edith would be proud.