By Dave Matlow
Westport’s skyrocketing land costs are making even home renovators consider the wrecking ball. Take John Dumke, for example.
Since he moved to Westport in 2000 following a career writing and producing corporate films, he has been a Bob Vila of sorts, purchasing, restoring and reselling homes in town for profit. 
Westporter John Dumke photographs the demolishing of a home at 56 Compo Road North Wednesday. He purchased the property in April for $1 million. It was WestportNow’s teardown of the day March 24, 2005. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
But Dumke’s latest home purchased for resale—56 Compo Road North—did not have the same good fortune. Purchased in April for $1 million, the house was demolished Wednesday and Dumke said he plans to build another much larger one.
“When a Westport lot cost what it does cost today, it doesn’t make economic sense to build around the existing facility,” he said. “Today it’s a lot tougher. Now it makes more sense to just tear it down and start ove
But Dumke, 45, insists his new business approach does not mean he is selling out, forsaking the old Westport for the ubiquitous teardown-turned-McMansion.
“I’m a member of this community,” stressed the former Scarsdale, N.Y. resident. “My children attend Long Lots School. I like Westport. I want to protect the integrity of the town.”
The new house he is planning will boast 5,700 square feet, a size he calls reasonable for a 1.25-acre lot.
“I want to recreate that same feeling in a classic, traditional and timeless style,” Dumke said, adding that he grew up with a reverence for old houses.
Dumke’s past performance seems to prove his sincerity. Since moving here, he purchased a 1828 Cross Highway house and made only minor renovations to preserve its historic integrity.
Over the next three years he purchased, restored and resold three other houses: a 1917 farmhouse on North Avenue; a 1900 Maple Avenue North home; and a 1965 Garrison Colonial.
But with 56 Compo Road North transformed to rubble, it seems that even a love for old homes has its price. Dumke seemed to justify his decision by plans for a classic home on the site.
“I want to protect the integrity of the town,” he said. “I don’t want to build houses that appeal just to the moment. Instead I want to build houses that are timeless.”
