Fairhope Officials Discuss Proposal to Relocate Montrose Hut From ‘The Poet of Tolstoy Park’
Author Sonny Brewer is asking Fairhope to help relocate the Montrose hut featured in his novel 'The Poet of Tolstoy Park.'
FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Fairhope officials are discussing a proposal by author Sonny Brewer to relocate the Montrose hut that was once the home of Henry Stuart, the man at the center of Brewer’s novel “The Poet of Tolstoy Park,” published about 20 years ago.
Preserving the Structure
The property where the hut stands is owned by Niemeyer Realty. Brewer has quoted owner Ken Niemeyer as saying he has “vowed to preserve it but has ‘zero confidence’ his heirs will do the same.” Moving the structure would require a permit from the city.
Fundraising
Brewer is seeking as much as $200,000 in public donations to pay for the relocation. Mayor Sherry Sullivan said Niemeyer has already donated $5,000 to the city for the relocation project.
Council Involvement
The City Council and the mayor selected Councilman Kevin Boone to help find a new site for the hut. Boone and Council President Corey Martin agreed that the cost of relocating the structure is an issue. Brewer said there are “some rich folks in town” who could donate money for the move.
