Dispute intensifies over LaRonda salvage

    The mysterious owner of the La Ronda mansion in Bryn Mawr was revealed earlier this week as Joseph Kestenbaum. Now, attempts to preserve the house are literally down to brass tacks.

    The mysterious owner of the La Ronda mansion in Bryn Mawr was revealed earlier this week as Joseph Kestenbaum. He immediately issued a public statement about his frustrated attempts to negotiate a deal with a man in Florida who wishes to buy the historic house and move it off the property. Now, attempts to preserve the house are literally down to brass tacks.

    Listen:
    [audio: 090916pclaronda.mp3]

    A trio of the owner, previous owner, and wannabe owner are duking it out over everything, including the kitchen sink.

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    The previous owner of La Ronda claims he has salvaging rights to everything including the stained glass windows, the hand-carved wooden ceilings, and a 30-foot high fireplace mantlepiece.

    But the current owner – Investment Banker Joseph Kestenbaum – already hired a salvaging company to start ripping out fixtures. Kestenbaum spokesman Jeff Jubelirer says if the wannabe owner – Benjamin Wohl – must wrestle salvaging rights away from the previous owner.

    Jubelirer: Mr. Wohl has until Friday, 5 o’clock, to execute an agreed-to proposal. As of now we have no understanding he will be able to execute on that agreement, but he still has until Friday.

    Benjamin Wohl contends his effort to relocate the house have been thwarted by unreasonable red tape. He wants to meet personally with Kestenbaum.

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