Big tree by Swan Library comes down

Owner plans to regrade lawn, plant ‘more appropriate tree’

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A 40-foot-high tree in the front lawn of the former Swan Library was taken down this morning by Lusk Tree Service. Chad Fabry, owner of the building, said the large tree was damaging the retaining walls and also caused water to flow towards the historic building.

Fabry said he plans to regrade the lawn to direct water away from the building. He also intends to plant a smaller tree in front of the building.

“It was the wrong tree for the wrong place,” Fabry said about the tall evergreen. “It was an ill conceived selection for that spot. It nauseates me to take out a tree, but I see no other options.”

Fabry purchased the Swan site in February 2015. The 6,000-square-foot site was originally a mansion built in 1851. It was donated by the Swan family for use a public library in 1900. It was the community library for 112 years until the new 14,600-square-foot Hoag Library opened a couple blocks away in July 2012.

Fabry is now using the building for office spaces.

This file photo shows how the site looked with the tall tree.