Demolition of La Ronda is OKd - then delayed

Lower Merion Township commissioners last night approved demolition of an immense historic Spanish villa - but delayed issuing the permit for three months.

Township commissioners plan to use the 90-day delay on tearing down the La Ronda mansion in Bryn Mawr to try to save the building, possibly via a new, preservationist buyer.

Township board president Bruce D. Reed said the Lower Merion Historical Society is collecting funds to buy the mansion while a preservation foundation is being set up.

Joseph Kuhls, the attorney for the building's owner, said selling it is a possibility. - Derrick Nunnally